Software Engineer (80 - 100 %) - Behavioral Analysis Platform Development

We offer an interesting job in an open-minded team, flat hierarchies and an open-door culture where we encourage building on strengths, a wide range of further training and education opportunities, 30 days of vacation for a five-day week, flexible working hours, a responsible and varied workplace in a growing interdisciplinary and international research institute. The payment is made in accordance with your experience and qualification and the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD-Bund).

Backround

We're developing next-generation software for automated analysis of animal social behavior through a startup spinoff project funded by Max Planck Innovation's MAX!mize program. Our platform makes behavioral analysis tools accessible for research and industry applications.

Your tasks

• Design and develop interface for video analysis and data visualization
• Build APIs connecting Phython backend with frontend applications
• Integrate existing behavioral analysis research tools
• Create annotation tools and real-time visualization dashboards
• Transform Phython-based behavioral analysis algorithms into accessible web applications
• Ensure complex scientific tools are intuitive for non-programmer users

Do you have experience in Web development?, Do you have a Master's degree?, * Bachelor's/Master's in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent experience

• Strong web development and applications skills (HTML/CSS/JavaScript + any modern framework)
• Proficient in Python programming
• Experience making complex tools user-friendly
• Self-directed problem solver with ability to work independently
• Very good written and spoken English skills
• Team-oriented with strong communication and collaboration abilities

Other valuable experience: Scientific/data-heavy applications, real-time visualization, video processing/computer vision, Docker/containerization, research/startup experience

The Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior at its sites in Konstanz and Radolfzell offers an international, interdisciplinary, and cooperative environment that opens up unique research opportunities. The goal of our basic research is to develop a quantitative and predictive understanding of the decisions and movements of animals in their natural environment. The Max Planck Department of Collective Behavior would like to fill the following position starting in January/February 2026, initially for 1 year with the possibility of extension. The workplace will be in Konstanz, Germany.