Vision-Driven Lab--Chip Scientist

Organisation/Company Forschungszentrum Jülich Research Field All Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Final date to receive applications 19 Jan 2038 - 03:14 (UTC) Country Germany Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

IBG-1 - Biotechnologie

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Your Job:

In the Vi(MA)²C project, we are building a lab-on-chip system 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
• 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

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• ENVIRONMENT: A world-leading, interdisciplinary and international research environment at the interface of AI, microscopy and life sciences in a high-visibility Helmholtz Imaging project
• INFRASTRUCTURE:
  State-of-the-art experimental equipment, support from experienced PIs, and versatile opportunities to grow as a curious researcher
• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING:
  Comprehensive training offers and individual opportunities for personal and professional development
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE:
  Very good conditions for work-life balance and a family-friendly corporate policy
• FLEXIBILITY:
  Flexible working hours and the possibility to partly work remotely from home
• VACATION & WORKING TIME MODEL:
  Full-time position, with the option of slightly reduced working hours, and 30 days of annual leave
• 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:
• FIXED-TERM
  
  CONTRACT:
  
  The position is limited to 2 years
• FAIR REMUNERATION:
  Depending…