Research Software Engineer (m/f/x) in the Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology

The Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is an inter­discipli­nary research institution that investigates a broad range of questions rela­ting to the percep­tion, per­formance, and creation of music and other performing arts.

The Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology now invites applications for a

Research Software Engineer (f/m/x)
Full-Time (39 hours per week)

The Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology is headed by Prof. Dr. Fredrik Ullén. We provide a dyna­mic and enthusiastic research environment in which a broad range of techniques are employed. These range from studies of the human brain using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, to psycho­logical and physio­logical experiments and behavior genetic analyses of how genes and environ­ment interact in the acquisition of new skills. For more information about the Department, please visit our website (https://www.aesthetics.mpg.de/en/research/department-of-cognitive-neuropsychology.html).

We are looking for a creative and driven software engineer with a high degree of intellec­tual indepen­dence, who at the same time enjoys working in a team with scientists, engineers, and tech­nical staff. A keen interest in prac­tical prob­lem solving in the context of state-of-the-art scientific research is impor­tant. One area of work will be the develop­ment of soft­ware appli­cations for psycho­logical experi­ments that are run either online or in-house. These experi­ments will involve presen­tation of stimuli of different types (e.g., pictures, videos, sounds) and recor­ding of respon­ses from the partici­pants. Another area of work will be the develop­ment and maintenance of software for data acquisition, signal processing, and analysis of diffe­rent types of scientific data (behavioral, physio­logical, etc.) collected from single or multiple parti­ci­pants in the special labs of the insti­tute. The special labs include an XR lab, a music lab for studies of brain mechanisms of skilled music perfor­mance, and the ArtLab, a combined perfor­mance space and laboratory that allows measurements from both artists and audience during concerts and events.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design, development, and maintenance of software for experimental data collection in the labora­tories of the institute and in online studies
• Design, development, and maintenance of software for the acquisition and analysis of different types of behavioral and physiological data
• Presentation of current R&D projects and implementation for internal training

Your qualifications:

• A M.Sc. in computer engineering or a related field
• Extensive (ideally 5+ years) software development experience using Python and supporting technologies (e.g., flask, docker, aws)
• Good knowledge of software architectures and design patterns
• Experience in web app and desktop development
• Good command of English, both written and spoken

It is a plus if you have experience with:

• Linux and real-time operating systems
• Additional programming languages (e.g., JavaScript, C++, MATLAB, R) and with test-driven development
• Machine learning and AI
• Signal processing
• Game development
• Contributing to open-source projects

What we offer:
The Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics provides a highly interdisciplinary and international scientific environment, with English and German being the languages spoken in the laboratories. It is located in an attractive location with excellent infrastructure in Frankfurt’s Westend neighborhood. You can expect a modern workplace with a pleasant and inspiring working atmosphere.

Salary is paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD Bund), commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. This is a permanent position. The earliest start date will be in November 2024.

Your application:
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We are also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce. Therefore, applicants of all backgrounds are welcome.

Please submit an application that includes: your detailed CV; a cover letter describing your background, experiences, and motivation; job testimonials; certificates of school / training / college / university or other further education, no later than October 1, 2024, via our application management system: https://e-recruiting.pro/de/jobposting/ad24f36f25f8fc27decf376c25774a1d4dc27ff60/apply

Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics
Grüneburgweg 14
60322 Frankfurt am Main
Germany