PhD Candidate in Quantum Enhanced Microscopy (f/m/x)

Organisation/Company Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt
Research Field Medical sciences
Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1)
Application Deadline 31 May 2026 - 16:14 (UTC)
Country Germany
Type of Contract To be defined
Job Status Other
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Job description: PhD Candidate in Quantum Enhanced Microscopy (f/m/x)

Full time
39 hrs./week

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) are an integrated, multi-disciplinary research unit, which provide bioengineering solutions to urgent societal needs. IBMI scientists develop next-generation imaging and sensing methods to measure previously inaccessible properties of living systems, hence, catalyzing breakthroughs in biology, medicine, and the environment. Comprising 12 inter-disciplinary laboratories and scientists from more than 25 countries, IBMI offers state-of-the-art infrastructure for innovative research and an ideal environment to accelerate your career. We now seek a highly qualified and motivated PhD student (f/m/x) to drive the development of a novel quantum enhanced microscope.

• Design and engineer a next-generation microscope integrating visible-light and mid-infrared imaging with quantum-enabled sensing approaches
• Develop, assemble, and integrate advanced optical and instrumentation components into a novel biomedical imaging platform
• Implement and optimize system architectures, including optical setups, control systems, and measurement pipelines
• Characterize, benchmark, and iteratively improve system performance using advanced optical and quantum measurement techniques
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to translate the developed technology into first biomedical imaging applications

Your profile

• Master’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Quantum Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Hands‑on experience in designing and building optical or photonic systems (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, or precision instrumentation)
• Strong experimental and engineering skills, including optical alignment, system integration, and quantitative performance testing
• Experience with instrument control, data acquisition systems, or scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment at the interface of physics, engineering, and biomedical research
• Excellent command of the English language

This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.

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.

Managing Director Mike Frieser: “We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.”

Get to know us

• Scientific Resources: State‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

Our recruiting is decentralized - your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

More information about our application process

Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Letter of motivation
• Academic transcripts of records
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree by the time you start work at the latest.

Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

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.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

Our commitment

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.