PhD in Computational Imaging & Scientific Software Engineering (f/m/x)

Technische Universität München (Technical University of Munich); München; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 65.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Ambitious research program

State-of-the-art infrastructure

International collaboration

Career development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion

Zusammenfassung

Technical University of Munich (TUM) invites applications for a PhD student to own the software ecosystem behind our computational imaging research, from reconstruction algorithms to robust analysis tools used by researchers worldwide.

You will work at the intersection of software engineering and biomedical imaging, shaping architecture and interfaces, collaborating with researchers, engineers and clinicians, and contributing to an open, extensible platform that advances bioimaging.

Qualifikationen

• Education in CS, mathematics, physics, or engineering with strong academic record.
• Strong Python programming skills and non-trivial software experience.
• Solid understanding of algorithms, numerical methods, or ML.
• Ability to write clean, maintainable, well-tested code.
• Interest in computational imaging and biomedical imaging.
• Motivation to own software projects and guide from prototype to usable tools.
• Effective communication with diverse researchers.
• Independent, proactive and collaborative working style.
• Excellent English; German is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Develop a modern software ecosystem for optoacoustic image reconstruction.
• Turn research algorithms into robust tools for researchers.
• Design APIs and workflows for internal and external use.
• Work with users to understand workflows and improve software.
• Research new algorithms in computational imaging.
• Explore AI-assisted and agentic interfaces for workflows.
• Establish testing, documentation, and reproducibility practices.

Kenntnisse

Python programming

Software development

Algorithms

Communication

English fluency

Independent working

Ausbildung

CS/Math/Physics/Engineering

Tools

Git

Automated testing

Documentation

Packaging

Code review

Jobbeschreibung

Academic staff

Join us in shaping the future of biomedical imaging

We are looking for a PhD student (f/m/d) who wants to take ownership of the software ecosystem behind our computational imaging research.

The Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) at Helmholtz Munich form one of Europe's leading centres for biomedical imaging and sensing innovation. Our mission is to create transformative technologies that reveal previously inaccessible biological information and accelerate breakthroughs in medicine, biology, and environmental health.

Our interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers from more than 25 countries develops technologies that bridge fundamental research, clinical translation, and real-world healthcare impact. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong industrial partnerships, and a proven track record of innovation, IBMI offers an exceptional environment for ambitious researchers seeking to work at the forefront of bioengineering.

The Opportunity

Do you want to build software that researchers actually love to use? We are looking for a PhD student (f/m/d) who wants to take ownership of the software ecosystem behind our computational imaging research - from experimental reconstruction algorithms used inside our lab to robust tools used by researchers and imaging experts around the world. We value excellent software as a scientific contribution in its own right.

You will work at the intersection of software engineering, computational imaging, and inverse problems. Your goal will not simply be to implement algorithms, but to turn cutting-edge imaging research into reliable, accessible and extensible software - and to develop new computational methods along the way.

We are looking for someone who cares about users. You will work directly with researchers developing new algorithms, experimentalists acquiring imaging data, and external users applying our methods. We want you to understand what they need, identify where current workflows fail them, and build better ones. This position comes with unusual freedom and ownership. We want you to help define the architecture, interfaces and future direction of our software rather than simply contribute to a pre-defined codebase.

We are particularly interested in exploring how AI-assisted and agentic software can change the way scientists interact with complex imaging pipelines - for example, by allowing users to formulate analysis tasks at a high level while software agents orchestrate reconstruction, processing and quality-control tools in a transparent and reproducible way.

You Will Have The Opportunity To

• Develop a modern, open and extensible software ecosystem for optoacoustic image reconstruction and analysis.
• Turn novel research algorithms into robust tools that can be used by scientists beyond the original developers.
• Design APIs and workflows for both rapid internal research and reliable external applications.
• Work directly with users to understand their workflows and continuously improve the software.
• Research new algorithms for computational imaging and inverse problems.
• Explore AI-assisted and agentic interfaces for scientific imaging workflows.
• Establish best practices for testing, documentation, reproducibility and sustainable scientific software.

Your Profile

We are looking for talented candidates who combine scientific excellence with a passion for translating innovation into real-world impact.

Required Qualifications

• Education in Computer Science, Data Analysis, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related disciplines with a strong academic record.
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, and experience developing non-trivial software.
• Solid understanding of algorithms, numerical methods, scientific computing, or machine learning.
• Ability and motivation to write clean, maintainable and well‑tested code.
• Strong interest in computational imaging, inverse problems, biomedical imaging, or scientific software.
• Motivation to take ownership of software projects and drive them from research prototypes towards tools that others can reliably use.
• Ability to communicate effectively with users and collaborators from different scientific backgrounds.
• Independent, proactive and collaborative working style.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary teamwork in an international research environment.

Particularly advantageous

• Experience with modern software‑engineering practices, e.g., git, automated testing, packaging, documentation and code review.
• Experience with GPU computing or high‑performance computing.
• Interest or experience in LLMs, tool‑using agents, or agentic workflows.
• Experience in optoacoustics, ultrasound, optical imaging, spectroscopy, or related technologies.
• Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation transfer, or commercialization.
• Fluency in German and English.

Our Offer

This Position Is Your Opportunity To Help Create a New Generation Of Medical Technology And Medical Impact With High Dissemination And Commercialization Potential. You Will Work In One Of The World's Leading Centers For Optoacoustic Imaging And Gain Direct Exposure To The Entire Innovation Pipeline, From Technology Invention And System Engineering To Clinical Validation And Regulatory Translation. We Offer

• Participation in a highly ambitious, internationally visible research program.
• Access to state-of-the-art imaging, photonics, electronics, and biomedical research infrastructure.
• Close interaction with world‑leading experts in imaging, bioengineering, and clinical medicine.
• Opportunities to contribute to patents, technology transfer, and future commercialization activities.
• Extensive international networking and collaboration opportunities.
• TUM offers a wide variety of inspiring and challenging PhD programmes, which will supplement your research training with outstanding opportunities for career development, continued education and life‑long learning.
• A dynamic, supportive, and highly collaborative working environment.

Life in Munich

Located at the foothills of the Alps, Munich is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities. It offers a unique ecosystem for scientific excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Contract and Conditions

The position is initially offered for 3 years, with the possibility of extension and long‑term career perspectives based on performance and mutual interests. Compensation is according to TV EntgO Bund EG13-75% according to the public wage agreement of the Federal Republic of German. Helmholtz Munich and TUM are committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusion. Applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds are warmly encouraged. The position is suitable for filling with severely disabled persons. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference granted otherwise essentially equal suitability, ability and professional performance.

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

Contact

Dr. Dominik Jüstel

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI)

Ismaningerstr. 22

81675 Munich, Germany

Links

• Helmholtz Munich
• Helmholtz Pioneer Campus
• TranslaTUM
• Linkedin
• Facebook
• x

Data Protection Information

When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information. With regard to personal information, please take note of the Datenschutzhinweise gemäß Art. 13 Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) zur Erhebung und Verarbeitung von personenbezogenen Daten im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung. (data protection information on collecting and processing personal data contained in your application in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)). By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information of TUM.

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