Open job position: Scientist / Postdoc – Vi(MA)²C

In the Vi(MA)²C project (one of the Helmholtz Imaging projects), a lab-on-chip system will be built 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