Postdoc in Smart Vision-Based Control of Microbial Arenas

Postdoc in Smart Vision-Based Control of Microbial Arenas

Germany

Join our team from April or May 2026 as

Scientist / Postdoc – Smart Vision-Based Control of Microbial Arenas

As a leading research institution for microbial biotechnology, the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Biotechnology (IBG-1) is committed to realising the potential of microbes in the development of sustainable production processes. Our interdisciplinary teams work closely together to develop biotechnological processes for tomorrow’s bio-based industry, focusing strongly on increasingly automated and miniaturised experiments. Do you want to push the limits of live-cell microscopy by employing real-time computer vision and optical tweezers to study how microbial communities self-organize in space and time? Join us at the interface of machine learning, computer vision, biophysics and computer science to turn microfluidic live-cell imaging into a creative platform for microbial biotechnology.

Institute issuing the offer: IBG-1

Your Job:

In the Vi(MA)²C project, we are building a lab-on-chip system where structured “microbial arenas” are created and manipulated in real time. Microbes and tailor-made microgels are observed and moved by laser-based optical tweezers in a closed action–perception loop. Your work will help transform current observation-only live-cell imaging microscopy into actively controllable, automated vision-based platforms. You will work at Forschungszentrum Jülich, in close collaboration with bioimage analysis partners at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

Your tasks in detail:

• Develop and extend deep-learning–based segmentation, classification and tracking for microbes and microgels in phase-contrast and fluorescence images
• Optimise these models and pipelines for real-time performance and integrate them into an action–perception loop that drives the optical tweezers
• Use and further develop simulation tools to design and benchmark control strategies before deploying them on the microscope
• Integrate your software with the microfluidic live-cell imaging platform and provide Python/Jupyter-based tools for collaborators, contributing to FAIR datasets and open-source software
• (Co-)Supervise student projects at BSc, MSc, and PhD level
• Write research articles, as well as grant proposals, and present your own work at international conferences

Your Profile:

• Master / Diploma and excellent PhD in computer science, engineering, physics, biophysics, applied mathematics, computational biology or a related quantitative field
• Strong background in deep learning for image analysis / computer vision, ideally on microscopy time-lapse data
• Proven programming expertise in Python (scientific Python, PyTorch or similar); experience with C++ and Linux environments is an advantage
• Experience in at least one of the following is highly welcome:
• Real-time or streaming pipelines
• Control / robotics / feedback systems
• Optical systems / optical tweezers / laser-based manipulation
• Software in the loop (SiL)
• Strong mathematical / statistical skills and pronounced analytical problem-solving abilities
• Curiosity for microbial life science questions and enthusiasm for working closely with experimentalists (no wet-lab experience required)
• Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of working in an agile, international and interdisciplinary team
• Very good English skills; German is a plus but not mandatory

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• ENVIRONMENT: A world-leading, interdisciplinary and international research environment at the interface of AI, microscopy and life sciences in a high-visibility Helmholtz Imaging project
• INFRASTRUCTURE: State-of-the-art experimental equipment, support from experienced PIs, and versatile opportunities to grow as a curious researcher
• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Comprehensive training offers and individual opportunities for personal and professional development
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Very good conditions for work-life balance and a family-friendly corporate policy
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working hours and the possibility to partly work remotely from home
• VACATION & WORKING TIME MODEL: Full-time position, with the option of slightly reduced working hours, and 30 days of annual leave
• SUPPORT: Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
• CAREER PERSPECTIVE: Exploration and preparation of next career opportunities supported by our Career Center & Postdoc Office ( )

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

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: and on specific support options for women:

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our Online-Recruitment-System!

Questions about the vacancy? Get in touch with us by using our contact form. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email.

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In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com