PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Computational Imaging Mass Spectrometry Full-time

PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Computational Imaging Mass Spectrometry

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

Within Analytical Pathology (AAP) at Helmholtz Munich, we combine imaging mass spectrometry with digital pathology and computational data analysis. The PhD project “Computational Imaging Mass Spectrometry: Spatial Metabolomics, Spatial Exposomics, and Tissue Morphology Analytical Pathology” aims to integrate spatial metabolomics and spatial exposomics data with tissue morphology in order to systematically characterize molecular heterogeneity, functional tissue compartments, and chemical exposome landscapes.

The development of computational methods is not intended as an isolated technical objective, but as a means of addressing independent biological and methodological research questions.

Your Tasks

• Develop independent scientific questions at the interface of imaging mass spectrometry, computational biology, and digital pathology
• Develop and validate computational methods for the integrated analysis of molecular imaging data and tissue morphology
• Characterize spatial metabolic and chemical patterns within biologically defined tissue compartments
• Critically evaluate and advance statistical, image analysis, and machine learning approaches
• Develop interpretable models that reveal biologically testable relationships and generate new scientific hypotheses
• Independently prepare scientific publications as part of a cumulative PhD thesis

Your Profile

• An excellent Master's degree or equivalent qualification in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, computer science, biostatistics, mathematics, physics, biomedical engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to think scientifically, develop hypotheses, and conduct independent research
• Very good programming skills and sound knowledge of statistics, machine learning, image analysis, or spatial data analysis
• The ability to assess algorithms and models not only from a technical perspective, but also in terms of their scientific validity and biological plausibility
• A strong willingness to engage with histology, tissue morphology, metabolic processes, and the experimental origin of the data
• Analytical depth, scientific creativity, and excellent written and spoken English

This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.

Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Managing Director Mike Frieser:

“We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.”

Get to know us

Benefits

• Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School
• Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

Interested in Applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Axel Karl Walch, axelkarl.walch@helmholtz-munich.de, who will be happy to help. Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future. More information about our application process Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates

In your motivation letter, please use an independently conducted scientific or data analysis project to describe the research question, your personal contribution, the rationale behind the selected methods, a major challenge, and your scientific interpretation of the results. Selection will not be based solely on the ability to apply existing software or standardized pipelines. Particular emphasis will be placed on the ability to understand computational methods scientifically, develop them further, and use them to generate new biological knowledge.

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree by the time you start work at the latest. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

Our Commitment

Helmholtz Munich Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH) Research Unit Analytical Pathology Ingolstädter Landstraße 1 85764 Neuherberg