PhD Position - Interactive Learning Closed-Loop Control of Microfluidic -Cell Experimen

PhD Position - Interactive Learning for Closed-Loop Control of Microfluidic Live-Cell Experiments (HDS-LEE graduate school)

You want to make an impact by connecting high-throughput cell microscopy with machine learning and physics-based simulation? This is the position for you! Microfluidic live-cell imaging enables researchers to observe the behavior of microbes at the level of individual cells under precisely controlled conditions. This project treats these experiments as adaptive bioagent‑environment systems and develops modern, data-driven decision-making methods to unlock intelligent, real‑time strategies for actively steering cells within their microenvironment.

The Helmholtz School for Data Science in Life, Earth and Energy (HDS‑LEE) provides an interdisciplinary environment for educating the next generation of data scientists in close contact to domain‑specific knowledge and research.

• Develop physics-aware simulations of growing cell populations, including their spatiotemporal manipulation in microfluidic environments.
• Design and implement reinforcement learning algorithms for control and manipulation, first in simulation and later on real experimental setups.
• Refine a real-time planning and execution architecture for information-driven experiment steering (closed-loop control).
• Work in an interdisciplinary team of engineers, computer scientists, and life scientists.
• Present your work at international conferences and stay updated on state-of-the‑art methods in machine learning, reinforcement learning, and computer vision for the life sciences.

• Excellent Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, or mathematics (or a related field), with a focus on computer vision, control, image processing, or machine learning.
• Solid mathematical and physics background, distinct analytical skills.
• Very good programming skills (Python, C++) and proficiency with Linux and Windows.
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills.
• Enjoy working within a diverse team in an international and interdisciplinary environment.
• Very good English, both spoken and written. German language skills are not required but a plus.
• High motivation and strong work ethic.
• No prior biological experience is required, but curiosity about biological questions, collaboration with experimentalists, and handling real-world data are valued.
• Passion for teaching computers to see, prior research experience in the field (e.g., internships, research papers), and a desire to impact a societally relevant application.

In your application, please include a statement of research interest, CV, copies of exams, degrees and grades (transcript of records), a copy of your Master thesis (or a draft thereof), published articles or other relevant material such as letter(s) of recommendation (if applicable).

This HDS‑LEE PhD position will be located at Forschungszentrum Jülich with strong links to RWTH Aachen. We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructures.
• Working in an international and interdisciplinary environment at one of Europe’s largest research institutes.
• Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisors and opportunity to mentor students.
• Unique HDS‑LEE graduate school program (including data science courses, soft skill courses and annual retreats).
• A qualification that is highly valued in industry.
• 30 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, including partial remote work.
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g., via a comprehensive training program; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors.
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Service.

The position is limited to three years, with a possible one-year extension. Pay is in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as a special payment (Christmas bonus). Monthly…