The Max Planck Institute for Chemistry researches the Earth and its environment across a wide range of
scales, from the nanoparticle to the planet and from ecosystem dynamics to global climate change.

The Petersen Group is looking for an

Engineer / Technical-Scientific Staff Member (f/m/d)

to help set up a new clumped isotope lab at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany.
We are offering this initially as a 2‑year position, with the potential to convert to a permanent role.

Your tasks:

• help set up a new clumped isotope mass spectrometer system and peripherals in a shared lab space.
• regular maintenance and operation of the mass spectrometer
• developing sample work flows and data processing protocols
• conducting method development and optimization in collaboration with the engineering offices here at MPI
• overseeing student workers who will prepare samples for analysis.
• Support scientific research groups in the planning and implementation of field work and sample collection, storage and curation.
• Carrying out technical, technical-scientific, and technical-administrative activities to support the work of the department and the institute.
• This position may be exclusively an engineering/​technician position, but there is also the potential for involvement in scientific projects. The level of scientific work vs. technical work depends on the desires and background of the candidate.

Your qualifications:

• Diploma in a natural science or technical discipline, as well as experience and expertise in the following fields of activity:
• Experience operating, and ideally repairing/​maintaining, isotope ratio mass spectrometers or similar
• Familiarity with software that can be used to process mass spectrometric data (R, MATLAB, Python), and some basic coding experience.
• Cooperation between technical and scientific institutions, as well as with internationally composed working groups, cooperative projects, and partners.

Remuneration and social benefits are governed by the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD).

The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled people are expressly welcome. The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

Have we piqued your interest?

Please send applications (PDF format) by 16.10.2026 to:

Max Planck Institute for Chemistry
Human Resources Office (Email: personal@mpic.de),
Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1
55128 Mainz

Applications should include a CV and a cover letter highlighting specific qualifications for this position.

Apply now

For questions regarding the technical aspects of the position, please contact Dr. Sierra Petersen directly:
sierra.petersen@mpic.de