PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Computational Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Euraxess; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 47,792 - 68,275; Full time

Job summary

Helmholtz Zentrum München invites applications for a PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Computational Imaging Mass Spectrometry within Analytical Pathology. The project aims to integrate spatial metabolomics data with tissue morphology to address biological questions.

You will develop computational methods and independently publish results, contributing to a three-year fixed-term PhD program. The role requires a strong background in bioinformatics or related fields, excellent English, and a willingness to

Qualifications

• Excellent Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Ability to think scientifically and conduct independent research.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills; English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop independent scientific questions at the interface of imaging MS, computational biology, and digital pathology.
• Develop and validate computational methods for integrated analysis of imaging data and morphology.
• Characterize spatial metabolic patterns within tissue compartments.
• Prepare scientific publications as part of a PhD thesis.

Skills

Programming

Machine learning

Statistics

Image analysis

Spatial data

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Python

R

Matlab

Job description

Organisation/Company Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt Research Field Medical sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 30 Sep 2026 - 15:14 (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

Offer Description

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Job description:PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Computational Imaging Mass Spectrometry

102984

Full time
39 hrs./week

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

Within

Analytical Pathology (AAP)

at Helmholtz Munich, we combine imaging mass spectrometry with digital pathology and computational data analysis. The PhD project \" Computational Imaging Mass Spectrometry: Spatial Metabolomics, Spatial Exposomics, and Tissue Morphology Analytical Pathology \" aims to integrate spatial metabolomics and spatial exposomics data with tissue morphology in order to systematically characterize molecular heterogeneity, functional tissue compartments, and chemical exposome landscapes. The development of computational methods is not intended as an isolated technical objective, but as a means of addressing independent biological and methodological research questions.

• Develop independent scientific questions at the interface of imaging mass spectrometry, computational biology, and digital pathology
• Develop and validate computational methods for the integrated analysis of molecular imaging data and tissue morphology
• Characterize spatial metabolic and chemical patterns within biologically defined tissue compartments
• Critically evaluate and advance statistical, image analysis, and machine learning approaches
• Develop interpretable models that reveal biologically testable relationships and generate new scientific hypotheses
• Independently prepare scientific publications as part of a cumulative PhD thesis

Your profile

• An excellent Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, computer science, biostatistics, mathematics, physics, biomedical engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to think scientifically, develop hypotheses, and conduct independent research
• Very good programming skills and sound knowledge of statistics, machine learning, image analysis, or spatial data analysis
• The ability to assess algorithms and models not only from a technical perspective, but also in terms of their scientific validity and biological plausibility
• A strong willingness to engage with histology, tissue morphology, metabolic processes, and the experimental origin of the data
• Analytical depth, scientific creativity, and excellent written and spoken English

This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.

Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Managing Director Mike Frieser: „We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.“

Get to know us

• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastruture and Core Facilities
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

Our recruiting is decentralized - your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

Our commitment

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.