Postdoctoral Researcher / AI & Scientific Software Engineer – Autonomous
Live-Cell Microscopy and Laboratory Automation
Postdoctoral Researcher / AI & Scientific Software Engineer – Autonomous
Live-Cell Microscopy and Laboratory Automation
As a leading research institution for microbial biotechnology, the Institute
of Bio- and Geosciences – Biotechnology (IBG-1) focuses on molecular and
applied microbiology. Interdisciplinary teams are developing biotechnological
processes for tomorrow's industry, with a focus on increasingly automated and
miniaturised experiments.
Do you want to push the boundaries of AI for next-generation microbiome
research? We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to develop novel
machine learning and computer vision methods for autonomous live-cell
microscopy, intelligent experiment control, and scientific workflows. Join an
interdisciplinary team at the interface of AI, microbiology, and laboratory
automation to shape the future of data-driven live-cell analysis.
Microorganisms in the gut microbiome play a key role in health and disease,
yet their behavior in complex and dynamic microenvironments remains poorly
understood. Within a Helmholtz collaboration, we are developing a high-
throughput single-cell analysis platform that combines microfluidics, advanced
live-cell microscopy, and AI-based image analysis to study microbial
consortia. You will drive the development of the next generation of image
analysis, scientific software, and intelligent experiment control for
microfluidic live-cell analytics in close collaboration with experimental
partners at HZI, Helmholtz Munich, and HHU.
Your Job
Develop machine-learning–based workflows and scientific software for
segmentation, species classification, and lineage tracking in multi-
species time-lapse microscopy data
Optimize models and analysis pipelines for real-time performance, enabling
adaptive imaging and feedback control
Design active-learning and retraining strategies to robustly generalize to
new microbial communities
Develop event-driven algorithms and software components for autonomous
experiment control and adaptive image acquisition
Build scalable, maintainable, and open-source software for high-throughput
image analysis and laboratory automation
You will present your results at international conferences, publish in leading
peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the supervision and training of
students within the consortium.
Your Profile
Excellent Master in Computer Science, Engineering, Biophysics, Applied
Mathematics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline
Proven programming expertise in Python (scientific Python, PyTorch) with
solid experience in scientific computing, reproducible software
development, and modern software engineering practices; familiarity with
C++, Linux, and high-performance computing is an advantage
Strong background in machine learning for image analysis and computer
vision, ideally involving microscopy, time-lapse imaging, or other high-
dimensional scientific imaging modalities
Experience in one or more of the following areas: object detection and
segmentation, multi-object tracking, time-series analysis, probabilistic
modeling and uncertainty quantification, real-time or streaming data
processing, or multimodal learning
Strong mathematical and statistical background, combined with excellent
analytical and problem-solving skills
Interest in developing AI methods at the interface of biology, robotics,
and laboratory automation, with enthusiasm for collaborating closely with
experimental scientists. Prior wet-lab experience is welcome but not
required
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with enthusiasm for
working in an international and highly interdisciplinary research
environment
A demonstrated research track record through publications, open-source
software contributions, internships, thesis projects, or comparable
scientific achievements
Excellent command of English; knowledge of German is an advantage but not
required
Our Benefits for You
We work on highly topical, socially relevant issues and offer you the
opportunity to actively shape change! You can expect a wide range of
opportunities:
Meaningful tasks: An exciting, interdisciplinary research environment
at the interface of AI, imaging, microbiome research, and laboratory
automation within a Helmholtz-wide collaboration.
Access to state-of-the-art live-cell imaging, microfluidics, laboratory
automation, and GPU computing infrastructure.
The opportunity to develop AI methods and scientific software that are
directly deployed on cutting-edge experimental platforms.
Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days
off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's)
Knowledge & further training: Your professional development is
important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look
forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a
wide range of offerings - e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups,
yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and
an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into
the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support
you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome
Days and Welcome Guide
Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates
ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on
site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a
relaxing lunch break with a lake view
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
We offer a fixed-term contract in an exciting and varied role within an
international, interdisciplinary working environment. Salary and social
benefits conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public
Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group E13. Further information on the TVöD-Bund is
available on the BMI website: https: // go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. The monthly
salaries in euro can be found here: https: // go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed.entgelt.
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer
you much more: https: // go.fzj.de/benefits
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.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal
opportunities: https: // go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for
women: https: // go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
Place of Employment: Jülich
Start Date:
Working Hours: 39 Hours / Week
Salary: Pay group 13 TVöD-Bund
Application Deadline: The position will be advertised until it is
successfully filled.
Share:
Application Process FAQ Contact form
Career portal Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Legal Notice
Follow us
