Vocational Training

Join our Team and Help Shape International Research

How do you build sensors that fly into space or save lives with respirators? How can we use light to improve cancer treatment in medicine? How can we help treat infections more accurately and combat antibiotic resistance? What drug residues are in our waters and what is in our food?

With 450 experts from 38 countries, we use light to develop solutions to these and many other pressing issues in health and medicine, safety, the environment and energy.

Our vision is to make life safer and healthier.

Join us and contribute to the next great innovation in photonics.

Your Career Prospects

  • High Retention Rate
  • Attractive Career Paths in Research and Industry
  • Close Collaboration with Experienced Scientists, Technologists, and Administrative Professionals

What our Trainees Have to Say

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Get to know our former trainees Victoria and Tina: In this video, they talk about what they learned during their vocational training at Leibniz IPHT, what aspects they particularly enjoyed and what their career paths look like after successfully completing their training.

As now permanently employed physics laboratory technicians, they provide you with exciting insights into their work in clean and controlled environments.

Leibniz IPHT is the right choice for me. I was warmly welcomed and supported from the very beginning. The modern working environment and the friendly atmosphere have confirmed my decision.

Joey // Microtechnology Trainee

Porträtfoto von Tina mit der Haube

My training has been very diverse and has opened up many opportunities for me, as we were able to experience a different department almost every week.

Tina // Former Trainee and now permanently employed Physics Laboratory Technician

Porträtfoto von Victoris Bohn

What I like most is seeing the results of my work. It’s amazing when sensors I’ve worked on are incorporated into respirators that can save lives.

Victoria // Former Trainee and now permanently employed Physics Laboratory Technician

Our Vocational Training Programmes

Do you have a talent for science and an interest in technology? Do you enjoy physical and chemical experiments? Do you want to be involved in exciting research using cutting-edge technology?

Or do you like working with people from all over the world and enjoy organisational tasks in an interdisciplinary environment?

In both cases, you’ve come to the right place!

Physics Laboratory Technician 

As a physics laboratory technician, you will work in the diverse fields of optics, vacuum technology, materials science and electrical engineering. You will be responsible for the technical management of laboratory facilities, ensuring the maintenance and smooth operation of our state-of-the-art equipment. You will carry out precise physical measurements and support our researchers and development engineers in planning and carrying out experiments. You will also analyse the results of experiments, which will require your analytical skills.

Chemical Laboratory Technician 

As a chemical laboratory technician, you will test organic and inorganic substances and analyse various chemical processes. You will also prepare mixtures of substances and develop the synthesis process for preparations. Precise measurements and careful recording of test procedures are also part of your duties. You will document your results and analyse them on the computer. In addition to a broad knowledge of chemistry, you will also learn the basics of other exciting fields such as physics, biology, environmental science and toxicology.

Microtechnologist 

In our laboratories, you will be involved in the manufacture and processing of microchips. You will be part of a team that works mainly in the clean room – a specially designed room where the air is kept extremely clean and free of dust and dirt. In the cleanroom, you will be responsible for producing sensors and components using the latest research. You will learn and apply a wide range of thin film, lithography and microstructuring technologies. With your newly acquired skills, you will contribute to the further development of our micro process technologies and support your team in researching innovative technologies, methods and solutions.

Office Administrator 

As an office administrator, you will carry out a wide range of organisational and administrative tasks. Your daily tasks will include cash management and accounting, dealing with correspondence and preparing presentations. You will purchase office supplies, organise appointments, prepare meetings and plan business trips. You will also assist at events and receive guests. You will organise and maintain cooperation with internal and external partners and service providers, thus contributing to the external image of our institute.

Porträtfoto von Jan Dellith

Physics and chemistry lab technicians are indispensable in science and industry.

Jan Dellith // Vocational Trainer

Porträt von Katja Peiselt

With us, you will work with the latest technologies on structures smaller than a grain of sand.

Katja Peiselt // Vocational Trainer

Porträt von Ute Bruntsch

If you enjoy working with people in an international environment, you’ve come to the right place.

Ute Bruntsch // Training Coordinator

What you can expect from us

    • You will work in an international environment and be involved in ground-breaking research projects.
    • You will receive a training allowance in accordance with the TVA-L.
    • You will receive a special annual payment and a final bonus if you successfully pass your final exam.
    • You can expect flexible working hours and 30 days’ holiday – including extra days off over Christmas and New Year.
    • Our dedicated training team will provide you with individual support and create an open, informal working environment.
    • You will have access to training courses, health days, sports groups and team events.
    • You will have a meaningful role in a fast-growing area of research – with excellent prospects for your professional career.

What you bring to the table

For the technical professions:

    • Accuracy of observation (to detect changes in material, colour and consistency during experiments)
    • Diligence and stamina (for carrying out long series of experiments)
    • A sense of responsibility (to comply with safety and environmental regulations)
    • Technical understanding (to maintain equipment and experimental set-ups)
    • Skillfulness and hand-eye coordination (for handling pipettes or tweezers, measuring, filling and transferring chemicals)
    • Enthusiasm for logical connections, quick comprehension, eager to learn
    • Good knowledge of English (to communicate effectively in an international team)
    • Good to very good grades in scientific subjects
    • Teamwork and communication skills

For the office administrator job:

    • Organisational skills (e.g. planning business trips)
    • Flexibility and ability to work in a team to cope with frequently changing tasks and work situations
    • Analytical and numerical skills when dealing with invoices
    • Strong verbal and written communication skills (e.g. when contacting researchers and writing emails)
    • Strong interpersonal skills and a respectful approach to handling staff issues
    • Good knowledge of English (to communicate effectively in an international team)
    • Reliability and diligence

How to apply? 

The best time to apply is in the autumn/winter so that you can start your training in the autumn of the following year. We are always happy to receive your application. If you have any questions, please contact our training coordinator Ute Bruntsch at ausbildung@leibniz-ipht.de or 03641 206 483. Current vacancies can be found in our job portal.

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