Laboratory Engineer/ Technical Staff Member (m/f/d) – Scientific Instrumentation and Laboratory Operations
(Full-time or Part-time)
The Chair of Complex Soft Matter at the TUM School of Life Sciences, Campus Weihenstephan, is seeking to fill the position of Laboratory Engineer (m/w/d)/ Technical Staff Member (m/f/d) for Laboratory Operations as soon as possible. The position is designed as a highly responsible technical role with substantial independence in the establishment, operation, and strategic development of laboratory infrastructure and advanced scientific instrumentation. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of complex measurement systems within an interdisciplinary research environment.
About Us
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe’s leading academic institutions. At the School of Life Sciences, Prof. Stefan Guldin has recently been appointed to the Chair of Complex Soft Matter. The research group investigates molecular self-assembly, structure formation, and interactions of bio-based and bio-integrated materials at the nanoscale, with diverse applications in life sciences. To support the successful establishment of laboratory infrastructure and the sustainable operation of our high-resolution measurement techniques, we are creating this technical position for the first time.
Your Responsibilities
Setup, installation, and commissioning of the laboratory, including designing efficient workflows and lab organization
Independent operation and further development of scientific instrumentation (including maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination of external service providers)
Design and further development of sustainable laboratory operations, including a cost/billing system
Installation, calibration, and qualification of complex measurement systems
Organization and assurance of safe, efficient, and compliant lab operations (including occupational safety, hazardous materials management, and regulatory compliance)
Technical support and training of scientific staff and students in the use of equipment and experimental methods
Development, documentation and standardization of operational, maintenance, and safety procedures
Participation in procurement of equipment and consumables, as well as coordination with suppliers and technical service providers
Coordination of technical processes and acting as an interface between research, administration, and external partners
Close collaboration with the chair, scientific staff, and central facilities
Your Profile
Completed university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent from university/ university of applied sciences) in materials science, physics, chemistry, biotechnology, or a comparable scientific or engineering discipline
Several years of relevant professional experience in the setup, operation, and optimization of scientific laboratories and complex instrumentation
Demonstrated ability/ experience in independently organizing and improving/optimizing laboratory processes, as well as a high degree of responsibility for ensuring safe and efficient laboratory operations.
Experience with at least one characterization technique (e.g., AFM, IR spectroscopy, ellipsometry, QCM-D, or similar) is highly desirable
Strong technical problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze, diagnose, and resolve complex technical issues
Experience working with external service providers and contributing to procurement processes is a plus
Structured, reliable, and solution-oriented working style with a high level of personal responsibility and initiative
Excellent communication and coordination skills for interaction with scientific staff, administration, and external partners
Fluency in English is required; German is an advantage
Confident use of standard IT applications and technical documentation
We offer
The position is initially a 2-year fixed-term contract.
A varied and responsible position in an international scientific environment
The opportunity to actively shape the setup of a modern laboratory and contribute your own ideas
Work with state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure and advanced instrumentation
A collegial, committed, and interdisciplinary team
Individual training and professional development opportunities
The position is compensated in accordance with the TV-L collective bargaining agreement depending on qualifications up to pay grade E12; the specific pay grade will be determined based on the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement
Application
This position is suitable for individuals with severe disabilities. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if their qualifications, skills and professional performance are otherwise essentially equal.
TUM is committed to increasing the proportion of women in its workforce; applications from women are therefore expressly encouraged.
Please send your complete application documents (CV and letter of motivation) in a single PDF file by 14 September 2026 to admin.cosmat@ls.tum.de . For informal inquiries, please contact Prof. Stefan Guldin guldin@tum.de .
We appreciate your interest in the Technical University of Munich and your application fort he advertised position. By submitting your application, you have provided us with personal data. Please note our privacy notice pursuant to Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the collection and processing of personal data in connection with your application, available at https://portal.mytum.de/kompass/datenschutz/Bewerbung/ .