PhD Position in Statistics focus Statistical Machine Learning Self-Driving Microscopy

PhD Position in Statistics with a focus on Statistical Machine Learning for Self-Driving Microscopy (100%)

Joint project between Pertz Lab and

D. Ginsbourger's Group.

We are seeking highly qualified, motivated and creative candidates wishing to join a collaborative project at the interface of statistical machine learning and live-cell biology.

The PhD in statistics will be co-supervised by Prof. David Ginsbourger (Statistics) and Prof. Olivier Pertz (Cell Biology), and the student will be equally embedded in both research environments.

This project provides a rare opportunity to see statistical machine learning models come alive, guiding live experiments. The recruited PhD student will evolve between both groups and become fluent in communicating across disciplines, a major career asset.

Cells sense, integrate, and respond to dynamic stimuli through complex signaling networks. The Pertz Lab has developed powerful optogenetic tools and fluorescent biosensors that allow direct perturbation and measurement of these networks using light.

D. Ginsbourger's group is internationally recognized in Gaussian process modeling, Bayesian optimal design, and statistical data science for the sciences.

Together, we aim to create autonomous “self-driving” microscopes that:

• build statistical models of biological dynamics in real time
• predict the most informative next experiment
• execute it automatically on living cells

Key methods will include Gaussian Processes (heteroscedastic & multivariate), Operator-valued and deep kernels, Active learning / Bayesian experimental design, Physics-informed machine learning, and closed-loop control of biological systems.

There may be a possibility to complement base PhD funding by taking up teaching and consulting duties. The funding is secured for up to four years with the starting date of September 1st 2026 or as can be arranged by mutual agreement.

The ideal candidate will have recently earned or be about to finish their master's degree in statistics or a neighboring subject with a strong mathematical component, a genuine interest in statistical data science and applications thereof, a taste for both theoretical investigations and numerical experiments, solid programming skills (Python, R, Julia), motivation to work closely with experimental researchers, and curiosity about biological systems.

No prior wet-lab experience is needed.