Scientist / Postdoc – Smart Vision-Based Control of Microbial Arenas Full-time

Lab-On-Chip System Scientist

In the Vi(MA)²C project, we are building a lab-on-chip system where structured “microbial arenas” are created and manipulated in real time. Microbes and tailor-made microgels are observed and moved by laser-based optical tweezers in a closed action–perception loop. Your work will help transform current observation-only live-cell imaging microscopy into actively controllable, automated vision-based platforms. You will work at Forschungszentrum Jülich, in close collaboration with bioimage analysis partners at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Your tasks in detail:

1. Develop and extend deep-learning–based segmentation, classification and tracking for microbes and microgels in phase-contrast and fluorescence images
2. Optimise these models and pipelines for real-time performance and integrate them into an action–perception loop that drives the optical tweezers
3. Use and further develop simulation tools to design and benchmark control strategies before deploying them on the microscope
4. Integrate your software with the microfluidic live-cell imaging platform and provide Python/Jupyter-based tools for collaborators, contributing to FAIR datasets and open-source software
5. (Co-)Supervise student projects at BSc, MSc, and PhD level
6. Write research articles, as well as grant proposals, and present your own work at international conferences

Your Profile:

• Master / Diploma and excellent PhD in computer science, engineering, physics, biophysics, applied mathematics, computational biology or a related quantitative field
• Strong background in deep learning for image analysis / computer vision, ideally on microscopy time-lapse data
• Proven programming expertise in Python (scientific Python, PyTorch or similar); experience with C++ and Linux environments is an advantage
• Experience in at least one of the following is highly welcome:
• Real-time or streaming pipelines
• Control / robotics / feedback systems
• Optical systems / optical tweezers / laser-based manipulation
• Probabilistic modelling / tracking
• Software in the loop (SiL)
• Strong mathematical / statistical skills and pronounced analytical problem-solving abilities
• Curiosity for microbial life science questions and enthusiasm for working closely with experimentalists (no wet-lab experience required)
• Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of working in an agile, international and interdisciplinary team
• Very good English skills; German is a plus but not mandatory

Our Offer:

• ENVIRONMENT: A world-leading, interdisciplinary and international research environment at the interface of AI, microscopy and life sciences in a high-visibility Helmholtz Imaging project
• INFRASTRUCTURE: State-of-the-art experimental equipment, support from experienced PIs, and versatile opportunities to grow as a curious researcher
• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Comprehensive training offers and individual opportunities for personal and professional development
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Very good conditions for work-life balance and a family-friendly corporate policy
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working hours and the possibility to partly work remotely from home
• VACATION & WORKING TIME MODEL: Full-time position, with the option of slightly reduced working hours, and 30 days of annual leave
• SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
• CAREER CENTER: You will receive explicit support with regard to your career development opportunities
• FIXED-TERM CONTRACT: The position is limited to 2 years
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service)

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more. 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.