Jobbörse

The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC), a newly founded national research hub in Germany, is supported by €1.25 billion in funding (until 2038) and is dedicated to redefining the role of chemistry in tackling global challenges. It brings together researchers from across disciplines such as chemistry, physics, engineering, data science, and social sciences to develop sustainable materials, processes, and technologies that support a circular economy. The CTC is structured around collaborative, mission-driven research groups and state-of-the-art facilities, fostering open science, innovation, and industry partnerships. Its core mission is not only to advance cutting-edge chemistry but also to train the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs who will drive the transformation of chemistry for a sustainable society.

Part of this mission is the comprehensive digitalization, automation, and standardization of chemical research workflows. This requires an advanced physical and software infrastructure that systematically replaces manual laboratory operations with reliable, repeatable automated systems. Within the realm of lab automation, the main contribution to this infrastructure is the development of robotic platforms and integrated instrumentation that can execute complex experimental protocols autonomously, coupled with the standardization of hardware interfaces and workflow design to ensure scalability and reproducibility across the institute.

The successful candidate will join an existing, growing team of software engineers, computer scientists, and chemists to build, integrate, and maintain the physical automation infrastructure of our self-driving chemistry labs. At an early and exciting stage of development, this is an opportunity to shape foundational decisions while contributing to a functioning, collaborative team from day one.

For our office and future laboratory site in Leipzig, we are searching for a

Robotics / Mechatronics Engineer (m/f/d)

The planned starting date for the position is Aug 1, 2026. The position is initially offered for two years, with the possibility of an extension.

Robotics & hardware development

• Integration and programming of robotic manipulators (e.g. UR, Franka, or similar collaborative arms) and motion systems (e.g., gantries) in real operational environments
• Sensor integration and closed-loop feedback control, including force/torque sensing, vision systems, and real-time error detection
• Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2): motion planning, hardware abstraction, and custom driver development
• Simulation environments for robot development and workflow validation (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim, MuJoCo), including sim-to-real transfer
• Mechanical design and fabrication of custom end-effectors, fixtures, and structural hardware, including CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or open-source equivalent) and prototyping (3D printing)
• Development of reinforcement learning algorithms for robot control, and vision-language models for object interaction and manipulation

Collaboration & operational support

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams to translate complex requirements into reliable, reproducible automated systems
• Develop and maintain workflows
• Collaborate with scientists to translate research requirements into solutions
• Provide technical support and documentation to researchers

• M.Eng. or PhD in automation engineering (mechatronics, robotics, mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering) or equivalent. A PhD is an asset but not required
• Three (3) to six (6) years of hands-on experience (inclusive of graduate work) in robotics integration or mechatronics
• Demonstrated experience programming and deploying robotic manipulators in real operational environments
• Practical experience with ROS/ROS2, motion planning frameworks, and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Experience with robot simulation platforms and sim-to-real transfer workflows
• Experience designing and fabricating custom mechanical components
• Track record of working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, ideally in a research or R&D setting
• Experience with Self-Driving Labs or work in a wet lab environment is an asset but not required
• Experience with reinforcement learning for robotic control or vision-language models is an asset but not required
• Proficiency in Python
• Strong understanding of control systems, kinematics, and mechatronic design principles
• Proficiency in Git and standard software development practices
• Strong and effective communicator in oral and written English
• Able to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced research environment

• The opportunity to support groundbreaking research and contribute to the CTC's growth on its path toward becoming one of the largest research centers for chemistry in Europe
• Salary: TVöD (Bund) depending on the candidate's qualifications
• The chance to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and international environment embedded in a highly motivated team
• A high degree of personal responsibility and the freedom to pursue independent ideas
• Individual support services fostering professional and personal growth
• Access to strong scientific and economic networks at regional, national, and international levels
• Conditions and social benefits of public service, including 30 days of vacation (based on a 5-day work week), annual special payments, and additional pension benefits (VBL).
• Subsidy for a public transport job ticket