Job Description

The Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics (MPIEA) investigates why and how people create art and how they perform, experience, and evaluate it. The Institute’s focus is on music, but we also engage with other performing arts such as dance and film.



The MPIEA explores the underlying genetic, biological, and psychological processes that underlie the production and perception of art, as well as their interaction with the cultural, social, and historical factors and functions of aesthetic practices and discourses.



We invite applications for a



Student Assistant (m/f/x)

for 10–20 hours per week



to work with the Scientific Tandem of Dr. Ana Clemente (Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics) and Dr. Tristan Stöber (University Hospital Frankfurt), supported by the Johanna Quandt Young Academy at Goethe University, and in collaboration with Dr. Olivier Penacchio (Autonomous University of Barcelona). Under the supervision of Dr. Clemente, Dr. Stöber, and Dr. Penacchio, you will contribute to a project that integrates state-of-the-art machine-learning algorithms with active inference—a principled and biologically plausible framework for understanding behavior—to investigate computational mechanisms supporting navigation in complex cognitive and physical spaces.



This position offers hands-on experience in computational neuroscience research in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, and we are looking for a highly motivated and intellectually curious student to support the project.

Your tasks:

Computational modelling of simulated and empirical data; Writing literature reviews and concise summaries; Supporting the preparation and reporting of scientific results (e.g., figures, short reports, presentation materials).

Our requirements:

Enrolled at a German university as an M.Sc. student in Neuroscience, Computer Science, Psychology, Engineering, or a related field (exceptionally well-qualified B.Sc. students may also be considered); Strong interest in computational neuroscience and motivation to learn; Strong programming skills, with experience in Python and MATLAB; Organizational and communication skills; ability to work effectively in a team; Fluency in English.

Our offer:

A friendly and cooperative working environment in an international, interdisciplinary research institute; A modern, well-equipped workplace with state-of-the-art technology and excellent infrastructure in Frankfurt; An initial contract for one semester, with the possibility of extension on a semester-by-semester basis.

Your application:

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We are also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce. Therefore, applicants of all backgrounds are welcome.



Please submit your application documents (cover letter, CV, certificate of enrolment, degree certificates, and references, if available) as a single PDF file via our applicant management system by 11th of January 2026.



If you have any questions about the position, please contact: Dr Ana Clemente ana.clemente@ae.mpg.de

and Dr Tristan Stöber stoeber@med.uni-frankfurt.de



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Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics Grüneburgweg 14, 60322 Frankfurt am Main