Published on 21.01.2026
Open job position: Scientist / Postdoc – Vi(MA)²C
Image: Lukas Y. Wick, UFZ | info
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