Student Assistant (m/f/x) to create visual and written content

The Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, investigates the attentional, cognitive, and affective mechanisms of aesthetic perception and evaluation.

The Institute invites applications for a

Student Assistant (m/f/x)
for 40 hours per month

to work in the Research Group Neural Circuits, Consciousness, and Cognition. The overall goal is to accelerate our understanding of how we see (perception), why some experience feels the way it does (consciousness), and how those experiences get imprinted on our brain (learning and memory) - as well as the interplay between these processes.

We are looking for someone to create visual and written content to showcase our projects and outputs and provide learning materials to improve user understanding of what we do and what we offer; including but not limited to user manuals, how-to videos, brochures, social media posts, and other graphical content to supplement our community outreach and user engagement.

• Work with copywriters, the creative director, and neuroscientists to produce final design;
• Develop illustrations, videos, and other designs assets using software or by hand;
• Create and edit images, illustrations, and other visual elements to enhance our online and offline presence;
• Collaborate with the research team to conceptualize and create visuals based for various learning/informational modules, marketing materials, including social media posts, websites, e-mail campaigns, and print materials;
• Test graphics across various media;
• Present drafts and edit designs based on constructive feedback;
• Ensure final graphics and layouts are visually appealing and align with the requirements;
• Support the maintenance and organization of our digital asset library.

• Status as BA/MA student, preferably in Graphic Design, Media Studies, Marketing and Communications, Content Creation, or Online Journalism;
• A strong portfolio of graphic designs;
• Strong creativity and the ability to translate concepts into visually appealing designs;
• Proficiency with design software and technologies (such as InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Photoshop);
• Familiarity with videography and/or photography;
• UI/UX knowledge and experience;
• Experience in digital marketing and communication strategy;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• A good understanding or keen interest to learn about the academic research landscape, specifically neuroscience;
• Experience with creating/producing/hosting podcasts.

• A friendly and cooperative working environment in an international, interdisciplinary research institute;
• A modern and well-equipped workplace in an attractive neighborhood with excellent infrastructure in Frankfurt’s Westend district;
• Hands-on experience with real-world projects;
• Exposure to a variety of design tasks and challenges.

The contract is initially limited to one semester (6 months), with the possibility of extension.

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 send your application including your cover letter, CV, certificate of study, and references (if possible, submit materials in English) in a single PDF file, no later than September 30, 2023, via our applicant management system.