Development Engineer – Focus Software (m/f/d) in Jena

The Technology Group "Sensor Systems and System Integration (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/departments/sensor-systems-and-system-integration/) ” at Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (Leibniz IPHT) is looking for a full-time (100%) or part-time (minimum 30 hours/week)

Development Engineer – Focus Software (m/f/d)

starting November 1, 2025. The position is initially limited to 2 years, with the possibility of extension based on suitability.

The Leibniz IPHT is a university independent research institute with close connection to the Friedrich-Schiller-University (https://www.uni-jena.de/en) Jena and member of the Leibniz association (https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/) . A position is available within the Sensor Systems and System Integration Technology Group, initially for a fixed term of 2 years.

The Technology Group "Sensor Systems and System Integration” at Leibniz IPHT develops innovative solutions for optical sensing and imaging – with a focus on biomedical applications. Our work ranges from novel biosensors, rapid Raman microscopy to high-resolution 3D volume imaging. We particularly focus on building functional demonstrators and transitioning experimental systems into clinically or industrially viable devices."

Job description:

• Responsible contribution to the development of system solutions from lab prototypes to clinically viable instruments (TRL level 6).
• Implementing software for complex scientific equipment, particularly microscopes and optical sensors, and integrating electronic components into the software environment.
• Performing functional testing of software for subsystems and the complete system.
• Developing reusable software libraries (e.g., for device control, data handling) in close collaboration with the group.
• Comprehensive documentation of software development.

Your qualification:

• Successfully completed university degree (Diploma/Master) in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Signal Processing, Technical Computer Science, or a comparable field with a focus on programming for the integration of hardware and software in scientific equipment or
• Successfully completed university degree in natural sciences with a strong understanding of programming, hardware control, and signal processing.

Desired knowledge and skills:

Industry experience in developing software for controlling scientific instruments.

• Excellent knowledge of programming languages: Python, C, and C# or C++.
• Good to excellent knowledge of microcontroller programming, e.g., AVR, Arduino.
• Good to excellent knowledge of electronics, measurement technology, and signal processing.
• Strong willingness to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams and excellent teamwork skills.
• Good to excellent English skills, both written and spoken.

Additionally:

• Basic understanding of shared data management within the context of Office 365 and other repositories such as GIT.
• Basic knowledge of PCB layout design, electronic circuit simulation, and optics, optoelectronics, and optomechanics.

We offer:

• An open welcoming culture and an inclusive and interdisciplinary working environment: Located on the Beutenberg campus in Jena, Leibniz IPHT is home to more than 400 employees from around the world working at the interface of physics, biochemistry, technology, data science and medicine to develop the photonic technologies of tomorrow.
• World-class equipment and facilities: Leibniz IPHT has a large number of physics, chemistry and biology laboratories at the highest level. It also has state-of-the-art fiber drawing and clean room facilities as well as microfluidics fabrication and big data computing facilities.
• Thorough and comprehensive personal training: Transferring good practices in scientific working and outreach is one of our main focus points. In a respectful and appreciative environment, you will learn everything you need for a career inside and outside of science. Moreover, plenty of workshops and opportunities for scientific exchange are offered by the Leibniz IPHT, as well as the Abbe School of Photonics and the Graduate Academy of the Friedrich-Schiller University Jena.
• A family-friendly working environment with support offers for the compatibility of family and work (e.g. parent-child office, campus kindergarten places, advice on family care situations from trained care guides and much more).
• Flexible working time models as well as 30 days vacation/year, special annual payment and bridge days.
• Jena - City of Science: a young city with a vibrant local cultural agenda!

Salary:

Salary is in accordance with the regulations of the TV-L and your qualifications and experience.

About us:

We are a modern, internationally focused research institute. Work-life balance is one of our central concerns. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social origin. If women are underrepresented in the area of the advertised position, they will be given preferential consideration in the hiring process if they are equally qualified.

Further information:

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Walter Hauswald, mail: walter.hauswald@leibniz-ipht.de.

Application:

Simply apply via our job portal (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/institute/career/job-portal/) https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/institute/career/job-portal/ (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/institute/career/job-portal/) or send your application with the usual documents (Letter of Motivation, CV, certificates, reference addresses) until 2025-09-01 by e-mail, preferably as one pdf file, quoting reference number 1389 to the:

Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology Jena e. V.

Human Resources

Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena

E-Mail: Personal_Abtl@leibniz-ipht.de

Reference Number: 1389

Bereitgestellt in Kooperation mit der Bundesagentur für Arbeit.