PhD Position – Interactive Learning for Closed-Loop Control of Microfluidic Live-Cell Experiments (HDS-LEE graduate school) Full-time

PhD Student In Machine Learning

We are looking for a PhD student in machine learning to work within a project linked to the “Helmholtz School for Data Science in Life, Earth and Energy (HDS-LEE)”. Your job:

Develop physics-aware simulations of growing cell populations, including their spatiotemporal manipulation in microfluidic environments

Design and implement reinforcement learning algorithms for control and manipulation, first in simulation and later on real experimental setups

Refine a real-time planning and execution architecture for information-driven experiment steering (closed-loop control)

Work in an interdisciplinary team of engineers, computer scientists, and life scientists

Present your work at international conferences and learn about state-of-the-art methods in machine learning, reinforcement learning and computer vision for the life sciences

Your profile:

Excellent Master's degree in engineering, computer science, or mathematics (or a related field), with a focus on robot vision and control, image processing, or machine learning

Solid mathematical and physics background, distinct analytical skills

Very good programming (Python, C++) and computer (Linux, Windows) skills

Excellent cooperation and communication skills

You enjoy working within a diverse team in an international and interdisciplinary environment

Very good English, both spoken and written. German language skills are not necessary but a plus

High motivation and work ethics

No prior biological experience is required, but curiosity about biological questions, collaborating closely with experimentalists, and working with real-world data

You share our passion for teaching computers how to see, have done some previous research in this field (e.g., internships, research papers, etc.), and want to make an impact in a societally relevant application.

In your application, please include a statement of research interest, CV, copies of exams, degrees and grades (transcript of records), a copy of your Master thesis (or a draft thereof), published articles or other relevant material such as letter(s) of recommendation (if applicable).

Our offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! This HDS-LEE PhD position will be located at Forschungszentrum Jülich with strong links to RWTH Aachen. We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructures

Working in an international and interdisciplinary environment at one of Europe's largest research institutes

Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisors and opportunity to mentor students

Unique HDS-LEE graduate school program (including data science courses, soft skill courses and annual retreats)

A qualification that is highly valued in industry

30 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, including partial remote work.

Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. via a comprehensive training program; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors

Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service The position is limited to three years, with a possible one-year extension. Pay is in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). The monthly salaries in euro can be found on the BMI website. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.