The Department for Sensory and Sensorimotor Systems of the Max-Planck-Institute for Biological Cybernetics studies the processing of sensory information (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory) in the brain and the use of this information for directing body movements and making cognitive decisions. The research is highly interdisciplinary and uses theoretical and experimental approaches in humans. Our methodologies include visual psychophysics, eye tracking, fMRI, EEG, TMS in humans. For more information, please visit the department website: www.lizhaoping.org We are currently looking for a Lab Mechatronics / Programmer/ Research and Admin Assistant (m/f/d) 100% to join us at the next possible opportunity. The position: You will provide hardware, software, and managerial support for a diverse set of brain and neuroscience research activities. This includes: • Computer and IT support of Windows and Linux systems • Programming and debugging of computer code, especially at the stage of setting up new equipment or new experimental platforms • Provide technical, administrative, and operational support in the research data taking process. (The position holder should have the ability to quickly learn the data taking processes involved in the labs.) • Hardware repairs and troubleshooting • Equipment inventory and maintenance • Supervising and training of new equipment users • Setting up, updating and managing the database of knowledge and data from research projects, personnel and activities Our department is interdisciplinary, with research activities including human visual psychophysics, eye tracking, fMRI, EEG, TMS. We are looking for a person with a broad technical knowledge base, who loves working in a scientific environment and who is curious, open-minded, and able to adapt and learn new skills and solve new problems quickly. The set of skills that the individual should either already have or can quickly learn includes: MATLAB/Psychotoolbox, Python/OpenCV, Julia/OpenGL, Java, graphics and display technologies, EEG equipment and similar, eye tracking, optics, electronics/controllers/sensors, Arduino/Raspberry Pi, etc. We offer: We offer highly interesting, challenging and varied tasks; you will work closely and collaboratively with scientists, students, programmers, administrative staff, and central IT and mechanical/electronic workshop support to help achieve the scientific goals of the department. A dedicated team awaits you in an international environment with regular opportunities for further education and training. The salary is paid in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund), based on qualification and experience and will include social security benefits and additional fringe benefits in accordance with public service provisions. This position is initially limited to two years, with the possibility of extensions and a permanent contract. The Max Planck Society seeks to employ more handicapped people and strongly encourages them to apply. Furthermore, we actively support the compatibility of work and family life. The Max Planck Society also seeks to increase the number of women in leadership positions and strongly encourages qualified women to apply. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Your application: The position is available immediately and will be open until filled. Preference will be given to applications received by September 30th, 2022. We look forward to receiving your application that includes a cover letter, your curriculum vitae, relevant certificates, and three names and contacts for reference letters electronically by e-mail to jobs.li@tuebingen.mpg.de, where informal inquiries can also be addressed to. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. For further opportunities in our group, please visit http://www.lizhaoping.org/jobs.html

A great deal of understanding can be gleaned from direct observation of organismal growth, development, and behavior. However, direct observation can be time consuming and influence the organism through unintentional stimuli. Additionally, video capturing equipment can often be prohibitively expensive, difficult to modify to one’s specific needs, and may come with unnecessary features. Here, we describe the PiSpy, a low-cost, automated video acquisition platform that uses a Raspberry Pi computer and camera to record video or images at specified time intervals or when externally triggered. All settings and controls, such as programmable light cycling, are accessible to users with no programming experience through an easy-to-use graphical user interface. Importantly, the entire PiSpy system can be assembled for less than $100 using laser-cut and 3D-printed components. We demonstrate the broad applications and flexibility of the PiSpy across a range of model and non-model organisms. Designs, instructions, and code can be accessed through an online repository, where a global community of PiSpy users can also contribute their own unique customizations and help grow the community of open-source research solutions.