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.

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.

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

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

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.

Max-Planck-Institut für empirische Ästhetik

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