PhD Candidate in Multimodal Optical Imaging Systems (f/m/x)

Helmholtz Zentrum München; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 45,630 - 68,446; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School

Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates

Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor

Support with relocation and integration process in Germany

Job summary

Helmholtz Zentrum München is searching for a highly qualified PhD Candidate in Multimodal Optical Imaging Systems to develop novel optical technologies for significant biological and medical challenges.

The candidate will work on innovative imaging systems for research, contributing to impactful applications while collaborating across institutions. The position offers extensive training resources and support for relocating to Germany.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in natural sciences, electrical engineering, physics, or related field.
• Experience with optics, fiber optics, and miniaturized systems.
• Excellent command of the English language.

Responsibilities

• Develop next-generation system for multimodal imaging.
• Collaborate on real-time software development.
• Drive innovation in miniaturized imaging technologies.

Skills

Optics

Programming in C++

MATLAB

Miniaturized systems design

Analytical skills

Education

M.Sc. in natural sciences or related field

Tools

Fiber optics

Sensors

Job description

PhD Candidate in Multimodal Optical Imaging Systems (f/m/x)

Full time, 39 hrs/week, Neuherberg near Munich.

The Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) at Helmholtz Munich and the Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) are an integrated, multi‑disciplinary research unit that develops next‑generation imaging and sensing methods to measure previously inaccessible properties of living systems.

We are looking for a highly qualified and motivated PhD student (f/m/x) to develop novel optical technologies addressing significant biological and medical challenges.

Your tasks

The successful candidate will play a key role in an ambitious research program focused on developing next‑generation multimodal imaging systems spanning the mesoscopic to microscopic scale. As part of a major research project and supported by extensive national and international collaborations, this effort seeks to shift the landscape of biological and medical imaging through pioneering, miniaturized, multimodal technologies. The candidate will have the opportunity to shape a rapidly evolving field by contributing to both technological innovation and high‑impact biological and medical applications.

Key Responsibilities & Goals

• Develop a next‑generation system for quantitative, real‑time multimodal mesoscopic and microscopic imaging.
• Contribute to real‑time software development for system control, data acquisition, multimodal image reconstruction, and quantitative analysis workflows.
• Collaborate within a European research consortium and engage with international and national partners across multiple institutions.
• Drive innovation in the design and development of miniaturized imaging technologies.

Your profile

• M.Sc. in natural sciences, electrical engineering, physics, optics, medical technology, biomedical computing, or a related discipline.
• Experience with optics, fiber optics, sensors, miniaturized systems design and development.
• Programming skills in C++ and MATLAB; additional relevant programming skills are an advantage.
• Excellent track record of academic achievements.
• Strong motivation, scientific curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence.
• Strong teamwork skills and enthusiasm to work in a multi‑disciplinary, collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated writing skills.
• Excellent command of the English language.

Benefits

• Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School
• Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates
• Scientific Resources: State‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

Remuneration and term

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). The position has an initial fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.