Student Research Assistant (m/f/div)

Artificial muscles have the potential to shape a new generation of robots and orthotic devices. The MPI-IS Robotic Materials Department, led by Prof. Christoph Keplinger, is working on developing artificial muscles that mimic the principles of movement found in nature. The department is focused on designing and fabricating novel artificial muscles, characterizing them for digital simulation models, and integrating them into robots and exosuits. This approach allows the team to study and utilize artificial muscles from the perspective of a biological organism, including the application of neurobiological concepts.

Roles & Responsibilities

The student assistant position is paid hourly and offers hands-on experience with hardware systems while providing exposure to ongoing robotics research. The tasks and responsibilities can be tailored to match the candidate’s specific interests. Selected candidates can begin as soon as they are hired.

Possible tasks for the student assistant include:

• Fabrication of film-based soft actuators.
• Characterization of actuators through experimental setups.
• Processing of experimental and simulation data.

Education & Experience

The department is looking for motivated students pursuing a Master of Science in engineering, cybernetics, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, material science, electrical engineering, physics, or related fields. These students will support the department's research and contribute to shaping the future of robotics.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• High motivation and enthusiasm for the subject.
• Currently pursuing a master’s degree.
• Enrolled at a German university.
• Interested in working in an international and interdisciplinary department.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Availability to work on-site at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany.

The department is especially interested in candidates with experience in:

• Engineering drawing (2D CAD) and designing experiments.
• Rapid prototyping techniques, including 3D CAD, CNC, laser cutting, 3D printing, and screen printing.
• Experimental data acquisition and processing (e.g., using Matlab).
• Process optimization and operating sensor systems.

Their Offer

• Students with a bachelor’s degree will be paid 13.65€ per hour.
• The position allows for up to 20 hours of work per week.
• Contracts are issued per semester.
• The department offers a modern, well-equipped workspace, an international working environment, and access to a daycare center for young children.

Application

Interested candidates are encouraged to upload their application, which should include a résumé (in English or German) and a cover letter (in English), to the application system.

For further questions, candidates may contact Steven Zhang at szhang@is.mpg.de or Adrian Koh at kohsja@is.mpg.de.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and encourages qualified individuals to apply. The society also strives for gender equality and diversity and explicitly encourages women to apply for positions where they are underrepresented.