PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Data Science for Biomedical Imaging

What biological information is hidden in biomedical imaging data – and how can we extract it reliably? The Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) is looking for a curious and persistent PhD candidate (f/m/x) who wants to discover new biological and medical insights from cutting-edge imaging and sensing technologies. You will work at the interface of data science, imaging technology and biomedical research, developing analysis strategies for complex real-world datasets ranging from preclinical experiments to human studies. We are looking for someone who enjoys understanding complex datasets in depth: identifying limitations and confounders, working with developers to understand the imaging pipeline, and finding robust ways to extract biological information even when datasets are small, heterogeneous or noisy. We value scientific curiosity and persistence over blind application of standard pipelines. The right candidate will want to understand why an analysis works, what information it uses, when it fails, and how confident we can be in its conclusions.

Your tasks

• You will work with unique datasets generated by cutting-edge optoacoustic imaging and sensing technologies, with the goal of discovering biological and medical information that has not yet been fully exploited.
• You will have the freedom to ask what information is contained in these data and develop the computational and statistical approaches needed to extract it.
• Working closely with experts in imaging technology, algorithm development, biology, and medicine, you will be able to understand the entire path from physical measurements to biological interpretation and develop robust analysis approaches tailored to challenging real-world biomedical data.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Analyze unique preclinical and clinical imaging datasets and uncover novel biological and medical insights.
• Develop innovative data analysis, image analysis, statistical, and machine learning methods, choosing the approach that best fits the scientific question.
• Investigate systematically what information is contained in imaging data, how it can be extracted, and how confidently conclusions can be drawn.
• Develop and apply approaches for uncertainty quantification, robust inference, and validation of biomedical imaging results.
• Work directly with biologists, biomedical researchers, and clinicians to formulate relevant questions and interpret findings in their biological and medical context.
• Contribute to turning advanced imaging and sensing technologies into tools that generate new biological understanding and clinically relevant information.

Your profile

• Master Degree in Data Science, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or related disciplines with a strong academic record.
• Strong background in data analysis, statistics, machine learning, scientific computing, or related computational methods.
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, and experience working with scientific data.
• Strong interest in using computational methods to discover biological or medical insights from imaging and sensing data.
• Curiosity and willingness to engage with both the technical foundations of imaging methods and the biological or medical questions behind the data.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Independent, proactive, and collaborative working style.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary teamwork in an international research environment.

Desirable qualifications

• Strong knowledge of statistics, statistical learning, or probabilistic modeling.
• Experience collaborating with experimental scientists, biologists, or clinicians.
• Interest or experience in LLMs, tool-using agents, or agentic workflows.
• Experience in optoacoustics, ultrasound, optical imaging, spectroscopy, or related technologies.
• Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation transfer, or commercialization.
• Fluency in German

This position is embedded within major research and innovation programs funded by the European Union and the German government and offers exceptional opportunities for scientific visibility, professional growth, and future leadership.

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

Benefits

• Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School
• Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastruture and Core Facilities
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

Interested in applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Dominik Jüstel, +49 89 4140 9165, who will be happy to help.

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:

• Letter of motivation
• Academic transcripts of records
• CV
• Letter of motivation
• Academic transcripts of records

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

Helmholtz Munich

Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)

Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging

Ingolstädter Landstraße 1

85764 Neuherberg

Learn more about how we use AI in recruiting.

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.