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

Your Job:

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:

• Develop and extend deep-learning–based segmentation, classification and tracking for microbes and microgels in phase-contrast and fluorescence images
  
• Optimise these models and pipelines for real-time performance and integrate them into an action–perception loop that drives the optical tweezers
  
• Use and further develop simulation tools to design and benchmark control strategies before deploying them on the microscope
  
• 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
  
• (Co-)Supervise student projects at BSc, MSc, and PhD level
  
• 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:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• 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). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website: . The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 and following of the PDF download
  

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

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, 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.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options for women:

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.

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