The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg, Germany, invites applications for a scientist position in our Deep Sequencing Facility.

The position is immediately available for a period of two years.

The facility offers a broad and comprehensive portfolio of next-generation sequencing methods to support ambitious NGS projects of all research groups at our institute. As a modern core laboratory, the deep sequencing facility is equipped with cutting-edge sample preparation and deep sequencing technology, including short- and long-read sequencing systems (AVITI24, NovaSeq6000, Nanopore Sequencing) as well as robotic liquid handling devices (Biomek i7).

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg, Germany, is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology: Immunobiology and Epigenetics. Central questions address the molecular basis of cell type identities, as they are regulated during immune cell differentiation, metabolic response, and epigenetic chromatin adaptation.

Your tasks

As an NGS Specialist, you will play a key role in advancing cutting-edge sequencing technologies at our institute. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing, implementing and refining sample preparation for sequencing workflows
• Focus on single-cell, multi-omics and spatial approaches using diverse input material, including tissue sections
• Monitoring quality, conducting data analysis and driving workflow automation with seamless integration into existing infrastructure
• Collaborating closely with research groups to support epigenetics-focused sequencing projects
• Assisting the facility’s laboratory team with logistical and administrative tasks, as well as routine lab work
• Maintaining and troubleshooting complex laboratory instruments
• Preparing samples and executing sequencing runs

Your qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to strengthen our NGS team. The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player who can deliver high-quality results independently and responsibly. Key requirements include:

• Academic degree and a PhD in a relevant life science discipline
• Demonstrated hands-on experience (expert level) with NGS laboratory techniques, ideally in epigenomic assays (e.g., Cut&Tag, ATAC-Seq, single-cell assays, spatial transcriptomics, cryosectioning)
• Experience with laboratory automation systems
• Expertise in NGS data analysis
• Programming skills in Python or R (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to support multiple research projects simultaneously
• Solid knowledge of current scientific literature in the field
• Fluency in English and excellent communication skills

We offer

Located in a region that connects Germany, France and Switzerland, our institute offers an international research environment with outstanding infrastructure facilities and a positive working atmosphere that places a high value on work-life balance.

• Payment according to TVöD up to a maximum of E13 if the collectively agreed and personal requirements are fulfilled
• Social benefits in line with public service (VBL)
• Additional performance-related remuneration component
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Good public transport connections and subsidy for job ticket
• Challenging work in a modern working environment
• Mobile working at a location of your choice within Germany is possible up to a maximum of 40% of the regular weekly working hours in justified cases.
• Catering provided by the institute's own cafeteria on site and shopping facilities within walking distance
• Welcome-Service
• Family-friendly offers (affiliated day care center at the institute, parent-child room, breastfeeding room)

We value and promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, so we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from severely disabled people. We would also like to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourage women to apply.

Application deadline

Have we sparked your interest? Please apply with your complete application documents (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, certificates, contact email address of minimum one referee) via our online application portal at https://www.ie-freiburg.mpg.de/ until 2nd February 2026 .

Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology and Epigenetics
HR Department