Student Assistant in Scientific Software Development for Computational Mechanics

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) conducts research to advance intelligent systems that perceive, learn, and interact. Through fundamental research across computational, physical, and social dimensions, they shape artificial intelligence and robotics to advance knowledge and benefit society.

They are looking for a

Student Assistant (HiWi) (f/m/div) in Scientific Software Development for Computational Mechanics

The Mechanics for Intelligent Structures research group, led by Dr. Renate Sachse at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS), is seeking a student assistant (HiWi) to support the development of an open, collaborative research software framework for computational mechanics. The position is ideal for students who enjoy scientific software development and would like to contribute to modern research infrastructure used by an international community.

Roles and responsibilities

The student assistant will contribute to the development of a freely available, collaborative research software framework for computational mechanics. The focus of the position is scientific software development rather than conducting independent research projects. The student will work closely with the group leader and PhD students to implement and maintain computational mechanics methods that serve as the foundation for future research activities.

Typical tasks include:

• implementing computational mechanics algorithms in Python and C++,
• translating existing research codes and numerical methods into a modern collaborative software framework,
• developing reusable, well-documented, and maintainable scientific software,
• implementing finite element and related numerical methods,
• testing, validating, and benchmarking newly implemented methods,
• contributing to documentation, examples, and software quality,
• collaborating with researchers to integrate newly developed methods into ongoing research projects.

Education & Experience

Applicants should

• be enrolled in a Master's program in computer science, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computational engineering, or a related discipline,
• have excellent programming skills in Python and C++,
• have experience with software development, version control (Git), and collaborative coding,
• have an interest in scientific computing and computational mechanics,
• ideally have experience with finite element methods, numerical methods, or scientific computing,
• write clean, well-structured, and maintainable code,
• be able to work independently and reliably,
• have good oral and written communication skills in English.Our offer
• A paid student assistant position (15.61 € per hour) at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems
• Opportunity to contribute to an open-source research software project with long-term scientific impact
• Work on modern scientific software engineering and computational mechanics
• Close collaboration with researchers developing next-generation simulation methods
• Flexible working hours (up to 20 hours per week)
• Opportunity to co-author scientific software publications where appropriate

Application

Applications should include the following documents (in English):

• Cover letter (maximum two pages), describing the applicant’s academic background and interests, as well as their experience in software development.
• Curriculum vitae, including a summary of education, research experience, relevant skills, and (if applicable) publications and software contributions
• Transcript(s) of records from current and previous degree programs

Application without these documents including the letter will not be considered.

Please send the requested documents in a single PDF file, via the application portal. The posting is open until filled.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Renate Sachse at sachse@is.mpg.de.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in its workforce in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.