Postdoctoral position in automizing organoid manufacturing (f/m/d)

JR Germany; Heidelberg; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 75.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An established industry player is seeking a talented postdoctoral researcher to lead the development of an innovative autonomous platform for organoid culturing and analysis. This exciting role involves integrating robotic systems with machine learning to revolutionize organoid experiments. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment with leading experts at renowned institutions, contributing to groundbreaking research in precision organoid engineering. If you have a strong background in electrical engineering or computer science and are passionate about automation and robotics, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifikationen

• Strong background in robotics and automation.
• Experience with machine learning and large language models.

Aufgaben

• Lead development of a functional prototype integrating automated subsystems.
• Adapt machine learning protocols for robotic decision-making.

Kenntnisse

Robotic Hardware Expertise

Machine Learning

Automation Science

Electrical Engineering

Computer Science

Ausbildung

PhD in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Computer Science

Jobbeschreibung

Job Description:

The position is funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (CZS).

Background: We aim to develop an autonomous platform for organoid culturing and analysis to address key challenges in organoid-based experiments. This interdisciplinary project will leverage robotic systems for high-throughput culturing, integrating multiple automated subsystems with image-based machine learning models. Our objective is to enable robotic decision-making through machine learning, paving the way for a standardized, scalable, and rapid next-generation system for organoid cultivation and assays.

Candidate Profile: We are seeking a talented and highly motivated individual with a strong background in electrical engineering, computer science, automation science, or a related field, with convincing expertise in robotic hardware. Experience with machine learning and large language models is highly desirable. Prior experience in a biological setting, such as cell culture, is considered a plus.

Position Details: This is a joint postdoctoral appointment in the groups of Prof. Pernice at the Kirchhoff Institute for Physics and Prof. Boutros at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University. The roles will support biological, computational, and automation aspects of the project within the framework of the "Precision Organoid Engineering for Multi-Organ Interaction Studies (POEM)" program.

Your Role:

• Lead the development of a functional prototype by integrating automated subsystems, including liquid handlers, robotic transfer, and imaging systems.
• Adapt machine learning protocols to enable robotic decision-making for targeted organoid growth.
• Benchmark the platform against current standard culturing methods, independently or with consortium partners.

Your Profile:

• Excellent PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields.
• Proven research track record through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Strong background in automation, robotics, or related areas.
• Experience with machine learning and large language models is desirable.
• Prior experience in a biological laboratory setting is a plus.

This full-time position is funded for an initial period of 2 years via CZS, remunerated according to TV-L, and follows the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG). Applications should be sent as a single PDF by May 15th, 2025, to Dr. Alice Hesse, with the subject "Application POEM 5". Please include a motivation letter, CV, publication list, research support, teaching experience (if any), a research summary, and contact details for at least 3 referees. Heidelberg University promotes equal opportunities and diversity, encouraging qualified female candidates and persons with severe disabilities to apply.