Software Developer / Computer Scientist (m/f/d) specialised in AI and Machine Learning

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) is one of the world's leading astrophysics research institutes, with around 350 employees. Among other things, IT develops instruments for ground-based observatories and for space missions. We are looking for a member of the software development team within the technical departments on a fixed-term contract for 4 years Software Developer / Computer Scientist (m/f/d) specialised in AI & Machine Learning, Ref. 421 to support the further development and commissioning of the Real-Time Control (RTC) system for the METIS Adaptive Optics (AO) system on ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).

MPIA is involved in several instrumentation projects aimed at finding, observing and characterising planets outside of the solar system to answer questions about their formation, atmosphere and ultimately about their potential to host life.

One of these instruments is METIS, the Mid-infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph. Among other things, MPIA is responsible for the development and construction of the Adaptive Optics system (SCAO).

The Adaptive Optics system corrects distortions in the incoming wavefronts caused by the atmosphere and instrumental effects. Direct ground-based observations of exoplanets using the new 39-metre ELT observatory require an unprecedented level of wavefront control via Adaptive Optics. The increasing number of actuators and the higher operating frequency of AO systems, combined with ever more demanding requirements for the resulting wavefront quality and control, necessitate an unprecedented level of coordination between real-time hardware and software and novel, machine learning-based predictive algorithms.

The hardware for the METIS AO system, along with an ELT telescope simulator, has been set up in the MPIA laboratory. The next step is to integrate the RTC system with the AO hardware and carry out extensive tests using the telescope simulator: the AO control loop must be closed and maintained in a stable state under various boundary conditions. Following successful tests at MPIA, the AO system will be transported to the Netherlands and integrated into METIS. Further tests on the complete system will follow. Once it has been successfully accepted by ESO, METIS will be transported to Cerro Armazones in Chile and commissioned at the ELT.

We are seeking support for our software team to further develop the METIS AO system, carry out tests at MPIA and in the Netherlands, and commission the system at the ELT in Chile.

Your tasks

• Model development: Design, training and validation of machine learning (ML) and deep learning models
• Pipeline architecture: Building scalable data pipelines and preparing data for model training
• AI integration: Integrating ML models into existing software architectures
• Evaluation & optimisation: Analysing the performance of models in the METIS AO system and their further development
• Tech scouting: Evaluating current research findings and new open-source frameworks for adaptation within the METIS RTC system
• Test support: SCAO tests in the MPIA laboratory and at the METIS system level in the Netherlands
• Commissioning support: at the ELT in Chile

Your profile

• A completed degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics or a comparable qualification
• In-depth knowledge of machine learning, statistics and mathematical modelling would be very helpful
• Very good programming skills in Python and confidence in using ML libraries are desirable
• Experience with SQL/NoSQL databases and, ideally, with big data tools, as well as confidence in using Git and CI/CD pipelines
• Good command of English for working in an international team
• Willingness to undertake assignments abroad (Europe & Chile)

Our offer

We offer a highly challenging role involving the use of state-of-the-art technology in an international working environment. Remuneration is in accordance with the TVöD (Collective Agreement for the Public Sector), up to pay grade EG 13, depending on qualifications and professional experience. Social benefits are provided in line with those in the public sector.

The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more people with severe disabilities. Applications from people with severe disabilities are expressly encouraged. The MPG is committed to gender equality and diversity. If you have any questions regarding equal opportunities, please contact the Equal Opportunities Officers (equality@mpia.de); for matters relating to severe disability, please contact Dr Ralf Launhardt (rl@mpia.de).

Deadline: September 6, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the technical requirements, please contact Florian Briegel (briegel@mpia.de).