Postdoctoral Researcher / AI & Scientific Software Engineer – Autonomous Live-Cell Microscopy a[...]

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH; Jülich; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days vacation

On-site medical service

GPU computing infrastructure

Career center support

International advisory service

Job summary

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher / AI & Scientific Software Engineer focused on autonomous live-cell microscopy and laboratory automation. The role sits at the interface of AI, microbiology, and lab automation, developing ML and computer-vision methods for high-throughput imaging and adaptive experiments.

You will build scalable, open-source software, optimize real-time pipelines, and contribute to a Helmholtz-backed collaboration with partners at

Qualifications

• Master in Computer Science, Engineering, Biophysics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology, or related discipline.
• Proven programming in Python (scientific Python, PyTorch) with experience in scientific computing, reproducible software development.
• Familiarity with C++, Linux, and high-performance computing is an advantage.
• Strong background in machine learning for image analysis and computer vision, ideally involving microscopy or time-lapse imaging.
• Experience in object detection/segmentation, multi-object tracking, time-series analysis, probabilistic modeling, uncertainty quantification, real-time data processing, or multimodal learning.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of German is an advantage but not required

Responsibilities

• Develop machine-learning–based workflows and scientific software for segmentation, species classification, and lineage tracking in multi-species time-lapse microscopy data
• Optimize models and analysis pipelines for real-time performance, enabling adaptive imaging and feedback control
• Design active-learning and retraining strategies to robustly generalize to new microbial communities
• Develop event-driven algorithms and software components for autonomous experiment control and adaptive image acquisition
• Build scalable, maintainable, and open-source software for high-throughput image analysis and laboratory automation
• You will present your results at international conferences, publish in leading peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to supervision and training of students

Skills

Python (scientific)

PyTorch

C++

Linux

High-performance computing

Machine learning for image analysis

Computer vision

Time-lapse imaging

Statistical modeling

English communication

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher / AI & Scientific Software Engineer – Autonomous Live-Cell Microscopy and Laboratory Automation

As a leading research institution for microbial biotechnology, the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Biotechnology (IBG-1) focuses on molecular and applied microbiology. Interdisciplinary teams are developing biotechnological processes for tomorrow’s industry, with a focus on increasingly automated and miniaturised experiments.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to develop novel machine learning and computer vision methods for autonomous live-cell microscopy, intelligent experiment control, and scientific workflows. Join an interdisciplinary team at the interface of AI, microbiology, and laboratory automation to shape the future of data-driven live-cell analysis.

Microorganisms in the gut microbiome play a key role in health and disease, yet their behavior in complex and dynamic microenvironments remains poorly understood. Within a Helmholtz collaboration, we are developing a high-throughput single-cell analysis platform that combines microfluidics, advanced live-cell microscopy, and AI-based image analysis to study microbial consortia. You will drive the development of the next generation of image analysis, scientific software, and intelligent experiment control for microfluidic live-cell analytics in close collaboration with experimental partners at HZI, Helmholtz Munich, and HHU.

Your Job

• Develop machine-learning–based workflows and scientific software for segmentation, species classification, and lineage tracking in multi-species time-lapse microscopy data
• Optimize models and analysis pipelines for real-time performance, enabling adaptive imaging and feedback control
• Design active-learning and retraining strategies to robustly generalize to new microbial communities
• Develop event-driven algorithms and software components for autonomous experiment control and adaptive image acquisition
• Build scalable, maintainable, and open-source software for high-throughput image analysis and laboratory automation

You will present your results at international conferences, publish in leading peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the supervision and training of students within the consortium.

Your Profile

• Excellent Master in Computer Science, Engineering, Biophysics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline
• Proven programming expertise in Python (scientific Python, PyTorch) with solid experience in scientific computing, reproducible software development, and modern software engineering practices; familiarity with C++, Linux, and high-performance computing is an advantage
• Strong background in machine learning for image analysis and computer vision, ideally involving microscopy, time-lapse imaging, or other high-dimensional scientific imaging modalities
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: object detection and segmentation, multi-object tracking, time-series analysis, probabilistic modeling and uncertainty quantification, real-time or streaming data processing, or multimodal learning
• Strong mathematical and statistical background, combined with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Interest in developing AI methods at the interface of biology, robotics, and laboratory automation, with enthusiasm for collaborating closely with experimental scientists. Prior wet-lab experience is welcome but not required
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with enthusiasm for working in an international and highly interdisciplinary research environment
• A demonstrated research track record through publications, open-source software contributions, internships, thesis projects, or comparable scientific achievements
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of German is an advantage but not required

Our Benefits for You

We work on highly topical, socially relevant issues and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! You can expect a wide range of opportunities:

• Meaningful tasks: An exciting, interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of AI, imaging, microbiome research, and laboratory automation within a Helmholtz-wide collaboration.
• Access to state-of-the-art live-cell imaging, microfluidics, laboratory automation, and GPU computing infrastructure.
• The opportunity to develop AI methods and scientific software that are directly deployed on cutting-edge experimental platforms.
• Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Knowledge & further training: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings, e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. On-site medical service and a social counseling team are available to assist you
• Successful start: We provide structured training for your tasks and support from the very beginning, including a Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
• Campus experience: Our research campus offers collegial exchange and activities; a cafeteria provides options for meals
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service helps international staff get started
• Career Center: Explicit support regarding career development opportunities

We offer a fixed-term contract in an international, interdisciplinary working environment. Salary and benefits conform to the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group E13. The monthly salaries in euro can be found at the BMI website. Further information on the TVöD-Bund is available there.

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer additional information at our campus benefits page.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities is important to us.

The following links provide information on diversity and equal opportunities and on support options for women.

Place of Employment: Jülich

Start Date:

Working Hours: 39 Hours / Week

Salary: Pay group 13 TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: The position will be advertised until it is successfully filled.