PhD Position in Computational Imaging and Scientific Software Engineering

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

Do you want to build software that researchers actually love to use? We are looking for a PhD student (f/m/d) who wants to take ownership of the software ecosystem behind our computational imaging research – from experimental reconstruction algorithms used inside our lab to robust tools used by researchers and imaging experts around the world. We value excellent software as a scientific contribution in its own right.

You will work at the intersection of software engineering, computational imaging, and inverse problems. Your goal will not simply be to implement algorithms, but to turn cutting-edge imaging research into reliable, accessible and extensible software – and to develop new computational methods along the way.

We are looking for someone who cares about users. You will work directly with researchers developing new algorithms, experimentalists acquiring imaging data, and external users applying our methods. We want you to understand what they need, identify where current workflows fail them, and build better ones. This position comes with unusual freedom and ownership. We want you to help define the architecture, interfaces and future direction of our software rather than simply contribute to a predefined codebase.

We are particularly interested in exploring how AI-assisted and agentic software can change the way scientists interact with complex imaging pipelines – for example, by allowing users to formulate analysis tasks at a high level while software agents orchestrate reconstruction, processing and quality-control tools in a transparent and reproducible way.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop a modern, open and extensible software ecosystem for optoacoustic image reconstruction and analysis.
• Turn novel research algorithms into robust tools that can be used by scientists beyond the original developers.
• Design APIs and workflows for both rapid internal research and reliable external applications.
• Work directly with users to understand their workflows and continuously improve the software.
• Research new algorithms for computational imaging and inverse problems.
• Explore AI-assisted and agentic interfaces for scientific imaging workflows.
• Establish best practices for testing, documentation, reproducibility and sustainable scientific software.

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

We are looking for talented candidates who combine scientific excellence with a passion for translating innovation into real-world impact.

Required Qualifications

• Education in Computer Science, Data Analysis, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related disciplines with a strong academic record.
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, and experience developing non-trivial software.
• Solid understanding of algorithms, numerical methods, scientific computing, or machine learning.
• Ability and motivation to write clean, maintainable and well-tested code.
• Strong interest in computational imaging, inverse problems, biomedical imaging, or scientific software.
• Motivation to take ownership of software projects and drive them from research prototypes towards tools that others can reliably use.
• Ability to communicate effectively with users and collaborators from different scientific backgrounds.
• Independent, proactive and collaborative working style.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary teamwork in an international research environment.

Particularly advantageous

• Experience with modern software-engineering practices, e.g., git, automated testing, packaging, documentation and code review.
• Experience with GPU computing or high-performance computing.
• 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