PhD Candidate in Optoacoustic Tomography (f/m/x)

Overview

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.

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) form one of Europe’s leading centers for biomedical imaging and sensing innovation. Our mission is to create transformative technologies that reveal previously inaccessible biological information and accelerate breakthroughs in medicine, biology, and environmental health.

Our interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers from more than 25 countries develops technologies that bridge fundamental research, clinical translation, and real-world healthcare impact. With state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, strong industrial partnerships, and a proven track record of innovation, IBMI offers an exceptional environment for ambitious researchers seeking to work at the forefront of bioengineering.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD Candidate (f/m/x) to develop the next generation of hand‑held multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) systems for clinical imaging. This project aims to establish advanced hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging technologies with unprecedented image quality and quantitative performance.

As part of a multidisciplinary team spanning optics, acoustics, electronics, computation, engineering, physics, medicine, and clinical translation, you will contribute to technologies that expand the capabilities of clinical optoacoustic imaging and accelerate their translation toward real‑world healthcare applications.

Join us in shaping the future of biomedical imaging.

Responsibilities

• Develop next‑generation hand‑held hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging systems with unprecedented image quality and quantitative performance.
• Advance clinical imaging solutions for cancer diagnosis and therapy monitoring, treatment‑related toxicity assessment, and cardiometabolic disease evaluation.
• Develop innovative optical, acoustic, electronic, and computational technologies and components for clinical optoacoustic imaging.
• Contribute to internationally visible research programs funded by the European Union and the German Government.
• Collaborate closely with clinical partners and an innovative MedTech start‑up to accelerate technology translation toward healthcare applications.
• Publish in leading journals, present at international conferences, and contribute to intellectual property generation.
• Help redefine how advanced imaging technologies support diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and precision medicine.

Profile (Qualifications)

• Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, medical technology, optics, mechatronics, computer engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong motivation, scientific curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: electronics and microelectronics, optical systems and lasers, ultrasound or sensor technologies, precision instrumentation, mechanical design and Computer‑Aided Design (CAD), biomedical imaging systems.
• Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with optoacoustics, ultrasound imaging, embedded systems, electronics, image reconstruction, or scientific software development.

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

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.

Equal Employment 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.