The Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) at Helmholtz Munich 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.
The Opportunity
What biological information is hidden in biomedical imaging data – and how can we extract it reliably? We are looking for a curious and persistent PhD student (f/m/d) 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. 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.
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.
Your Profile
Required Qualifications
- Education 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.
Particularly advantageous
- 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 and English.
Our Offer
This position is your opportunity to help create a new generation of medical technology and medical impact with high dissemination and commercialization potential. You will work in one of the world's leading centers for optoacoustic imaging and gain direct exposure to the entire innovation pipeline, from technology invention and system engineering to clinical validation and regulatory translation.
We offer:
- Participation in a highly ambitious, internationally visible research program.
- Access to state-of-the-art imaging, photonics, electronics, and biomedical research infrastructure.
- Close interaction with world-leading experts in imaging, bioengineering, and clinical medicine.
- Opportunities to contribute to patents, technology transfer, and future commercialization activities.
- Extensive international networking and collaboration opportunities.
- TUM offers a wide variety of inspiring and challenging PhD programs, which will supplement your research training with outstanding opportunities for career development, continued education and life-long learning.
- A dynamic, supportive, and highly collaborative working environment.
Life in Munich
Located at the foothills of the Alps, Munich is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities. It offers a unique ecosystem for scientific excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Contract and Conditions
The position is initially offered for 3 years, with the possibility of extension and long-term career perspectives based on performance and mutual interests. Compensation is according to TV EntgO Bund EG13-75% according to the public wage agreement of the Federal Republic of German.
Helmholtz Munich and TUM are committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusion. 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 otherwise essentially equal suitability, ability and professional performance.
Your Application
Please submit your application (preferably in English), including:
- CV
- Motivation letter (please specify the title of the position you are applying for)
- Academic transcripts of records
Apply here: online application
Contact
Dr. Dominik Jüstel
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI)
Ismaningerstr. 22
81675 Munich, Germany
Kontakt: cbi.recruitment@tum.de