Postdoc in Smart Vision-Based Control of Microbial Arenas

Forschungszentrum Jülich

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
• Probabilistic modelling / tracking
• 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 (https://www.fz-juelich.de/careercenter)

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

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: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey