Work group:
IBG-1 - Biotechnologie
Area of research:
Scientific / postdoctoral posts
Job description:
Your Job:
Microorganisms in the gut microbiome play a key role in health and disease, but their behavior in complex, dynamic microenvironments is still poorly understood. Within a Helmholtz collaboration, we are building a high-throughput single-cell analysis platform that combines microfluidics, advanced imaging and AI-based analysis to study gut microbial consortia.
You will drive the development of the next-generation image analysis and control framework for microfluidic live-cell analytics in close collaboration with partners at HZI, Helmholtz Munich and HHU.
Your tasks in detail:
* Establish deep-learning–based segmentation, species classification and lineage tracking workflows for multi-species time-lapse data
* Optimise models and pipelines for real-time performance, enabling adaptive imaging and feedback
* Develop active learning and retraining pipelines to adapt to new consortia
* Implement event-triggered, autonomous experiment control to steer imaging in space and time
* Provide FAIR analytics workflows and contribute open source tools for use in data analysis
* Present your results at international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to training activities within the consortium
Your Profile:
* Excellent Master and subsequent PhD in computer science, engineering, biophysics, applied mathematics, computational biology or a related field
* Proven programming expertise in Python (PyTorch, scientific Python) with solid experience in scientific computing and software development; familiarity with C++ and Linux environments is an advantage
* Strong background in deep learning for image analysis / computer vision, ideally on microscopy or time-lapse data
* Experience in at least one of: tracking / time-series analysis, probabilistic modelling / uncertainty, real-time or streaming pipelines
* Strong mathematical / statistical background, with pronounced analytical and problem-solving skills
* No prior wet-lab experience is required; curiosity for biological questions and willingness to collaborate with experimentalists is sufficient
* Excellent collaboration and communication skills, and enjoyment of working in an international, interdisciplinary research team
* Prior research experience (e.g. internships, thesis projects, open-source software contributions, or publications) is highly desirable
* Excellent English skills; German is a plus but not required
Our Offer:
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:
* INTERDISCIPLINARY WORK: An exciting, interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of AI, imaging and microbiome research in an Helmholtz-wide collaboration
* CUTTING-EDGE INFRASTRUCTURE: Access to state-of-the-art imaging, microfluidics and computing infrastructure
* INNOVATION & TRANSLATION: Opportunities to engage in technology translation and spin-off preparation within FZJ’s innovation ecosystem
* KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Comprehensive training and development opportunities for personal and professional development with support from experienced PIs.
* FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working time models, including options close to full-time ( go.fzj.de/near-full-time ), allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual needs
* VACATION: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year`s)
* FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website: go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 of the PDF download
* FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to 3 years
* SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
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
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.
Company
The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges to assure the future of our society. With more than 47.500 people on staff in 18 national Research Centers and an annual budget of more than 6 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organization. The name Helmholtz stands for concerted research, in which networks form the key principle behind inquiring thought and action.
The profile of the Helmholtz Association
The Helmholtz Association performs cutting-edge research which contributes substantially to solving the grand challenges of science, society and industry. To succeed in meeting these responsibilities, Helmholtz concentrates its work in six research fields: Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Information, Matter, as well as Aeronautics, Space and Transport. Within each of these fields, research programs are developed by our scientists and regularly evaluated by renowned international experts. Their evaluation forms the basis for the program-oriented funding that is allocated to Helmholtz research. Within the six research fields, Helmholtz scientists cooperate with each other and with external partners – working across disciplinary, organizational and national borders.
Moreover, Helmholtz specializes in large-scale research infrastructures – from accelerator facilities, earth observation satellites, research ships to supercomputers. They form the basis for scientific advances in tackling global societal challenges. Managing national research infrastructure is part of the Helmholtz Association's mission.
Promoting young academics
Helmholtz scientists, a high-performance infrastructure and modern and efficient research management are the ingredients to the Helmholtz Association‘s success and global impact.
Promoting young researchers is a major priority for the Helmholtz Association. Its qualification schemes for young researchers are geared mainly towards PhD students, postdocs and young managers. The Helmholtz Association has set high standards for its talent management. Its strategy begins with targeted recruitment of highly qualified staff at all levels, followed by comprehensive support aimed at further developing their potential. Ensuring equal opportunities is an essential element in all talent management activities undertaken by the Helmholtz Association.
The Helmholtz Graduate Schools and Research Schools at almost all Helmholtz Centers provide doctoral students with the general and specific skills and training they need, as well as ample opportunity to network. The period following a doctorate is decisive in determining the direction and success of a scientific career. For this reason, we established Career Development Centers for postdoctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Centers. This equips young researchers with the skills they need to go on to head a Helmholtz Investigator Group, for example. As an Investigator Group leader, junior scientists can independently set up their own group to conduct research in their specialist field and acquire management skills.
Within its talent management strategy, the Helmholtz Association pays special attention to the increased recruitment of talented female scientists both from Germany and abroad. To this end, there are currently two funding programs supporting this policy: and Helmholtz Distinguished Professorship – Funding for the recruitment of leading international female scientists (W3) .
The increasing complexity of the content, structures and framework conditions of scientific work today requires researchers to organize their projects, their employees and, of course, themselves in a highly professional and effective way. In response to these demands, we have set up the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to provide leaders in science with professional management training. Furthermore, the Helmholtz network provides a platform for the alumni of the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to come together and share their experiences of leadership, career development and lifelong learning.
All of this combined makes the 18 Research Centers of the Helmholtz Association a highly attractive environment for talented researchers from all over the world.
Company info
Telephone
0049-30-206329-0
Location
Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2
Berlin
Berlin
10178
Germany