Work at INM

The scientific work at INM is performed in scientific units that do research independently in alignment with INM mission. With its decentralized structure, INM promotes scientific freedom, engagement, and creativity, and high visibility to its scientific leadership.

As research group leaders at INM, you perform independent research and mature your own profile in a topic of relevance for INM. You benefit from a supportive scientific organization structure and a first-class scientific environment, funding and infrastructure for scientific and career progress. This is particularly attractive to research leaders in their first independent position, where a supportive environment can make a difference in the daily work and yearly output.

As a scientific leader at INM, you are responsible for the research strategy of your scientific unit, for recruiting and the management of human and financial resources, and for the infrastructure and safety measures in the laboratory and office space. You work in synergy with other units at INM and contribute to INM’s scientific success and visibility.

INM regularly opens positions to hire new scientific leaders and support independent career development of early career scientists. The positions can also be opened ad-hoc, to support recruiting researchers that have successfully acquired a large grant (i.e. ERC-Starting Grant, Emmy Noether, NanomatFutur etc) in a topic of relevance and complementarity to the institute. Interested candidates should directly contact INM’s Scientific Directors.

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INM provided the ideal environment to advance my scientific vision, build a dedicated research team, and tackle highly challenging questions. The institute’s continuous support and balance of guidance and independence enabled me to secure competitive funding and drive innovation.

Dr. Oskar Staufer, Head of Immuno-Materials

At INM, postdoctoral researchers thrive in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international environment that fosters both scientific excellence and innovation. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art technical facilities and collaborate closely with experts across diverse fields..

As part of collaborative networks, you will gain valuable experience in project management, reporting, and supervising students, while also contributing to impactful research.

Your journey will include opportunities to attend national and international summer schools, scientific conferences, and fairs, where you’ll present your work to the global research community. If you’re interested in technology transfer and industry collaboration, INM offers the chance to engage in application-oriented research and participate in joint projects with industrial partners.

We also support your personal and professional development through complementary seminars on soft skills and career planning, as well as German and English language courses available at the institute.
Our commitment to early-career researchers includes comprehensive mentoring and career support. Annual appraisals with supervisors provide a platform to discuss career goals and growth opportunities. INM ensures clear pathways for advancement in science, technology transfer, and science management, empowering you to shape your career with confidence.

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At INM, an interdisciplinary and international environment fosters scientific collaboration, providing researches with cutting-edge resources to push the boundaries of innovation

Dr. Gerardo Asensio Martín, Dynamic Biomaterials

INM is committed to the qualification and training of the next generation of scientists. If you are looking for a vibrant and international scientific environment for your doctoral studies in the field of materials science, INM can be an excellent choice!

As a doctoral researcher, you will be embedded in a multi-faceted supervision, education, and support structure. As part of a scientific unit at INM, you will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, personalized supervision and guidance, and plenty opportunities for close interaction with experts in different fields. At internal meetings and cross-group seminars your presentation skills will be reinforced and you will expand your cooperation network.

You will attend national and international conferences and present you research results to the international research community. Soft-skill seminars organized at INM or at Saarland University will round up your scientific profile and prepare you for your next career step. Language courses in German and English are available at the institute.

In the “INM Guidelines for Doctoral Researchers”, you will find further details on life as Doctoral Researcher at INM.

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INM creates a space where scientists can take risks, learn from each other, and push the limits of what’s possible

Cansu Koek, Energy Materials

To retain domain-specific skills, expertise, and experience in topics of central and long-term relevance for the scientific progress of the institute, INM hires staff scientists. These are highly trained and specialized researchers, typically with a few years of postdoctoral expertise outside and within INM.

As staff scientist you uptake a central role in the further development of scientific expertise within a Research Department in parallel to your contribution to scientific projects. You also uptake central duties of relevance for the institute.

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At INM, a supportive community and diverse expertise inspire collaboration and innovation

Dr. Cao Nguyen Duong, Head of Fluorescence Microscopy

The INM welcomes applications for performing B.Sc. or M.Sc. theses or an internship during your studies.

We offer state-of-the-art research facilities and personalized supervision and guidance from experienced scientists within international and multidisciplinary teams. You have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experimental skills in collaborations within the institute and by attending seminars and workshops organized by INM. The heads of the scientific units welcome your application!