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.

Do you want to push the boundaries of AI for next-generation microbiome research? 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's)
• 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. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
• Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
• Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
• Career Center: You will receive explicit support with regard to your career development opportunities

We offer a fixed-term contract in an exciting and varied role within an international, interdisciplinary working environment. Salary and social benefits conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group E13. Further information on the TVöD-Bund is available on the BMI website: go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. The monthly salaries in euro can be found here: go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed.entgelt. In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for women: go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

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.

Where to apply

Website: https://recruiting.fz-juelich.de/jobposting/10360669eca996c56685863d45d6eab77585d988?ref=helmholtz

Additional Information

Website for additional job details: https://recruiting.fz-juelich.de/jobposting/10360669eca996c56685863d45d6eab77585d988?ref=helmholtz

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: Forschungszentrum Jülich

Country: Germany

City: Jülich

Contact

City: Jülich

Website: https://www.fz-juelich.de

Street: Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße

Postal Code: 52428

E-Mail: info@fz-juelich.de

Phone: +49 2461 61-0

Fax: +49 2461 61-8100