Facility Leader – Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) Facility at MPZPM

The Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM) is an interdisciplinary joint research center of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER). Research at MPZPM addresses fundamental questions in medicine, aiming to understand living systems, biological processes, and their pathological changes from a novel physical perspective.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Facility Head to manage and further develop the Lab-on-a-Chip facility. You will oversee daily operations, ensure safe and efficient laboratory workflows, support scientific users from diverse backgrounds and contribute to the design and development of innovative methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and support scientific and technical staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.
• Oversee facility operations, including planning, budgeting, maintenance, and strategic development.
• Train and support users from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Technical Expertise & Scientific Support

• Ensure reliable operation of cleanroom infrastructure and microfabrication equipment.
• Provide expert guidance in microfabrication, microfluidics, and lab-on-a-chip system development.
• Contribute to the development of new microstructured materials, microfluidic chips, and advanced LoC technologies.

Innovation & Development

• Support interdisciplinary research projects and facilitate knowledge transfer across scientific fields.
• Develop novel microfluidics-based methodologies and provide SOPs to ensure reliable and reproducible use.
• Propose and discuss organizational and infrastructure improvements with the MPZPM board, focusing on optimized workflows, state-of-the-art technologies, and strategic upgrades aligned with the institute's priorities.

You bring:

• MSc or PhD in physics, biophysics, chemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in managing laboratories, particularly cleanrooms, including staff supervision and operation of microfabrication workflows.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project-management skills, with a track record of building or expanding scientific infrastructure.
• Expertise in developing microfluidic technologies.
• Capability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across scientific disciplines. English is the primary working language; knowledge of German is advantageous.
• Experience in technology transfer, device development, or industry collaboration is a plus.

Ideal Technical Competencies (some of the following):

• Microfabrication & Lithography: photolithography, soft lithography, micropatterning of rigid and soft materials, biomolecule patterning via microcontact printing or LIMA photopatterning.
• Microfluidics & Lab-on-a-Chip Systems: design, production, and integration of microfluidic chips with fluidic, optical and electronic components.
• Soft Material Microstructuring: hydrogels, droplet microfluidics, and other soft materials relevant to biomedical applications.
• 3D structuring using Digital Light Processing (DLP) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).

• A state-of-the-art Lab-on-a-Chip facility within an internationally leading research center.
• A collaborative, interdisciplinary environment at the frontiers of physics and life sciences.
• Opportunities for professional development and involvement in cutting-edge research.
• Competitive compensation and full support from MPZPM technical and administrative units.

The position is remunerated according to qualifications and experience in accordance with the collective agreement of the public service (TVöD Bund). In addition, we offer a company pension scheme via the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL). We offer a diversified job in a scientifically oriented, international team in one of the most renowned research institutions worldwide. We offer you the possibility of flexible working hours. Our institute attaches great importance to occupational health management and carries out regular measures. We are open to change and ideas. The compatibility of work and family is also very important to us, which is why we are happy to support you in finding suitable childcare facilities.

The Max Planck Society strives to ensure a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities irrespective of gender, nationality or disabilities of the applicants. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.