The Optics & Sensing Laboratory (OSLab) at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen (Germany) has an open position for an Intern or Student Assistant to collaborate with research engineers and technical staffs to configure, operate, and test diverse capture systems at the Institute, while creating the detailed documentation necessary to standardize how these technologies are used and maintained.

Intern (f/m/div) or Student Assistant (f/m/div) at the Optics & Sensing Laboratory

About us

We are supporting the development of highly realistic human and animal avatars for use in research, film, virtual reality, biology and medicine. Using unique 3D & 4D capture facilities, machine learning, computer vision and advanced graphics, we are modeling humans and animals shape and behavior.

Laboratory website:

About the position

You will be working closely with our laboratory engineers — in a multi-camera capturing environment housed at the institute — to configure, operate, and test various camera and imaging systems (e.g., 360 cameras, FPGA-based frame grabbers, SDI-based interface cameras, Arduino controllers, motorized stereo rigs, etc.). We are looking for someone with hands-on experience who is enthusiastic about computer vision-related hardware and software, including a variety of camera systems and video technologies.

The position is available as of now and will remain open until it is filled.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Configure, program, and deploy various signal controllers for camera synchronization
• Calibrate various camera systems (stereo rigs, 360°, RGB-D, and multi-camera setups)
• Assist in implementing functionality with FPGA components
• Verify system functionality and troubleshoot hardware/software issues
• Install required software, drivers, and hardware components
• Explore new configurations and optimize system performance
• Support deployment of camera and capture systems for testing and training purposes
• Document system setups, calibration procedures, and operational details; write user manuals
• Develop demo presentations of the technology
• Write and modify code (primarily in Python and C++) to support capture and control systems

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's/Master's degree or vocational qualification in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; or equivalent experience in developing and implementing hardware and software solutions for virtual production technologies
• Strong interest in hardware–software systems and hands-on technical work
• Familiarity with camera systems, imaging technologies, and electrical equipment
• Programming skills including Python and C++
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• A natural team player and detail-oriented person

Duration

• For Intern: duration of 3-6 months, 50-100% (20-39 hrs/week)
• For Student Assistant: duration of minimum 12 months, minimum 12 hrs/week (Student assistant contracts are to be given and extended on a semester basis)

Our offer

• Working in a multidisciplinary collaborative project at MPI for Intelligent Systems (Tübingen)
• Cutting-edge technologies related to computer vision and multi-sensor system
• An open-minded and motivating working environment with international scientists, engineers and administrative staff

Application

Candidates should send their:

• 2-page letter answering:

• What makes you a strong candidate for this position, and how does your background align with the role? 2. Describe the technical process and considerations involved in integrating multiple Apple iPhone 17 Pro devices into a synchronized multi-camera video record