PhD Student or Postdoctoral Researcher in Optoacoustic Tomography (f/m/d)

Position Title

Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI) – PhD Student or Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to develop the next generation of hand‑held multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) systems for clinical imaging. The role is part of a multidisciplinary team at the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Technical University of Munich (TUM), and offers a unique opportunity to translate research into real‑world healthcare impact.

Responsibilities

• Design and build next‑generation hand‑held hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging systems with unprecedented image quality.
• Advance clinical imaging solutions for cancer diagnosis and therapy monitoring, 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.
• Publish in leading journals and present at international conferences.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation.
• Help redefine imaging technologies for diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and precision medicine.

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 CAD
  • biomedical imaging systems
• Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Benefits

• Participation in a highly ambitious international research program.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure.
• Close interaction with leading experts.
• Opportunities for patents and technology transfer.
• Extensive international networking.
• Career development programs via Helmholtz Munich and TUM.
• Additional PhD programs at TUM.
• Dynamic and collaborative working environment.

Contract and Conditions

The successful applicant will initially receive a three‑year contract (PhD) or a two‑year contract commensurate with experience (Postdoctoral researcher), with the possibility of extension. Salary follows the German Federal public service salary scale (TV EntgO Bund EG13; EG13‑75% for PhD students).

TUM and Helmholtz Munich are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. Applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds are warmly encouraged. The position is suitable for filling with severely disabled persons; severely disabled applicants will be given preference, granted equal suitability, ability and professional performance otherwise.

Application

Please submit your CV, motivation letter (specifying the title of the position), and academic transcripts in English.

Contact

Dr. Ivy Curren
Dr. Maximilian Bader
Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI)
Ismaningerstr. 22
81675 Munich, Germany

Contact email: