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

Your Job:

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 (, 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, 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, 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: