Student / Research Assistant (m/f/d) Full-time NEW

Student / Research Assistant (m/f/d)

Young Researchers Cologne

Job Code: 13-2026

Founded in 2008, the Max-Planck-Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne is at the center of a globally unique network of research institutes in the field of aging research. Our modern fish facility houses the naturally short-lived turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), an important model organism for studying aging and age-related processes. The facility enables scientists to quickly and efficiently test genes and treatments associated with lifespan, which have been identified in other systems such as long-lived human cohorts, C. elegans, or D. melanogaster, in a short-lived vertebrate. To support this work, we provide a wide range of services, including breeding assistance, generation of transgenic lines, and phenotyping. To support our dedicated team in ongoing research projects, we are seeking a highly motivated university student to assist with essential tasks in our fish facility, with a starting date of 15 November 2026 or later.

Main Responsibilities

• Providing feeding support on weekend or public holidays;
• Examining fish health and maintaining optimal water conditions
• Collecting and monitoring the development of fish embryos, including clean-up and transfer
• Performing DNA extraction, genotyping and other molecular biology experiments;
• Performing fish sample preparation and other related experiments
• Collaborating and communicating with the fish facility manager, animal caretakers and scientists

Your Qualifications

• Must be enrolled at a German university (preferably in biology or a related field)
• Reliability, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility
• Interest in working with fish and supporting research in an interdisciplinary scientific environment
• Ability to work carefully, precisely, and follow established protocols
• Willingness to work in a team and to communicate clearly with colleagues and researchers
• Curiosity about biological research and motivation to contribute to ongoing scientific projects
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays

Our Offer

• Payment depending on your highest degree (15€ per hour without a Bachelor's degree; 15.61€ per hour with Bachelor's degree), paid on an hourly basis. Average monthly working hours: approximately 20-25 hours
• Interesting and varied work in an ambitious, international environment
• A good working atmosphere within a motivated and friendly team, structured onboarding
• Excellent work–life balance
• Discounted lunches in our staff canteen
• Employee and Manager Assistance Program (free psychosocial counseling provided by an external institution)
• Fitness room and various regular occupational health programs, such as back-health courses and a health day

The Max Planck Society aims to employ more people with severe disabilities. Applications from individuals with severe disabilities are therefore expressly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to gender equality and diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. If you are interested, then please submit your complete application documents by 4 November, 2026. Applications should be submitted online only, as a single PDF file via our application portal.