Postdoctoral Researcher – Computational Electron Microscopy and Machine
Learning
Postdoctoral Researcher – Computational Electron Microscopy and Machine
Learning
The multidisciplinary Institute for Advanced Simulation - Materials Data
Science and Informatics (IAS-9) brings together disciplines ranging from
data analysis and machine learning to materials simulation, research data
management and software development under one roof. In doing so, we extract
new information from simulations and experiments, identify patterns and trends
in microscopy data, and improve our understanding of why materials and
processes work the way they do. We benefit from a strong connection to the
Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) and
to the Jülich Supercomputing Centre. Within IAS-9, the Deep Learning for
Electron Microscopy group develops machine learning methods grounded in the
physics of the measurement rather than in generic image statistics. We are
looking for a postdoctoral researcher whose scientific home is electron
microscopy itself and who wants to develop the computational methods the field
now needs: identifying where microscopy questions genuinely require new
methods, developing them, and validating them against real experimental data.
Your Job
This position sits at the interface between electron microscopy and machine
learning. We are looking for a microscopist or physicist with substantial
computational practice who wants to shape how machine learning is developed
for electron microscopy – someone who can identify the open questions in the
domain and carry them through to new methods. You will work in a team of data
scientists and software developers, together with the doctoral researchers of
the group, and in close collaboration with the Ernst Ruska-Centre (ER-C).
Your tasks will include:
Conducting research at the interface of electron microscopy and machine
learning, including the application and adaptation of established methods,
data analysis, and dissemination of results
Identifying open questions in electron microscopy where progress is
limited by analysis rather than by instrumentation, and where new machine
learning methods therefore offer genuine scientific gain
Developing, training and evaluating deep learning models for microscopy
data – real-space imaging, 4D-STEM diffraction and in-situ time series –
including the construction and characterisation of the experimental and
simulated datasets your research requires
Establishing what physically meaningful evaluation means for such models:
what constitutes a correct answer, when an output is an artefact of the
measurement, and which failure modes matter for the underlying materials
science
Conducting and interpreting simulation studies (e.g. multislice, Bloch-
wave methods) that connect experiment, theory and model behaviour
Participation in the scientific agenda of our collaboration with the ER-C:
bringing microscopy questions into our method development, and turning
model results into statements that are meaningful to microscopists
Publishing in microscopy and materials science journals as well as at
machine learning venues, and contributing to open datasets, benchmarks and
software
Co-supervising doctoral and master students, and contributing to proposal
writing and to the group's third-party funded projects
Your Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated colleague who is excited about new
scientific endeavors with interdisciplinary approaches. For this you have:
Completed Master's degree and PhD in Physics, Materials Science or a
closely related field
In-depth working knowledge of electron microscopy, including image
formation and contrast mechanisms, electron diffraction, and substantial
experience in at least one of the following: 4D-STEM, in-situ or operando
microscopy, or quantitative HR(S)TEM.
Experience with electron microscopy simulations (e.g. multislice or
Bloch-wave methods), or with developing quantitative data analysis
pipelines for microscopy data, which would be a strong asset.
Practical, hands-on experience in training deep learning models, solid
programming skills in Python, and working proficiency with PyTorch or an
equivalent framework.
A clear interest in developing methods rather than merely applying them,
as well as the motivation to substantially deepen your machine learning
expertise within the group.
Excellent communication skills across disciplinary boundaries; much of the
value of this role lies in enabling two research communities to understand
one another.
Strong analytical skills, creativity
Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary
is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported
by a certificate confirming the language level
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: The opportunity to conduct exciting research in an
international and multidisciplinary environment with outstanding
infrastructure and to strengthen your reputation in a dynamic and highly
active research field
Work Environment: A creative work environment at a leading research
facility, located on an attractive research campus at the TZA Aachen and
the Forschungszentrum Jülich
Work Location: The work location may vary between Aachen and Jülich.
Initially, the work will primarily take place in Aachen
Scientific Exchange: The opportunity to attend national and
international conferences
Work-life balance: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private
life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. The option of flexible
working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation
and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days
off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's)
Flexibility: Flexible working time models, including options close to
full-time, allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual
needs
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
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 74 of the PDF download
Additional benefits: Benefit from attractive additional services such
as a company pension scheme with employer contribution. In addition to the
basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective
pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-
forming benefits
Perspective: After a 2-year fixed-term contract, our goal is to hire
you on a permanent basis. Let's use this time to find out how well we fit
together or
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
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer
you much more: https: // go.fzj.de/benefits
To apply, please submit a complete CV including a publication list, a letter
of motivation describing your research interests and how they connect to this
position, and all university degree records and certificates.
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: Aachen und Jülich
Start Date: As soon as possible
Working Hours: 39 Hours / Week
Salary: Pay group 13 TVöD-Bund
Application Deadline: The position will be published until it is
successfully filled
Index number: 2026T-0645
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