PhD Position in Interactive Learning Closed-Loop Control of Microfluidic -Cell Experiments

PhD Position in Interactive Learning for Closed-Loop Control of Microfluidic Live-Cell Experiments Germany

We are offering a

PhD Position - Interactive Learning for Closed-Loop Control of Microfluidic Live-Cell Experiments (HDS-LEE graduate school)

You want to make an impact by connecting high-throughput cell microscopy with machine learning and physics-based simulation? This is the position for you! Microfluidic live-cell imaging enables researchers to observe the behavior of microbes at the level of individual cells under precisely controlled conditions. This project treats these experiments as adaptive bioagent-environment systems and develops modern, data-driven decision-making methods to unlock intelligent, real-time strategies for actively steering cells within their microenvironment.

The Helmholtz School for Data Science in Life, Earth and Energy (HDS-LEE) provides an interdisciplinary environment for educating the next generation of data scientists in close contact to domain-specific knowledge and research. All three domains – life & medical sciences, earth sciences, and energy systems/materials – are characterized by the generation of huge heterogeneously structured data sets, which have to be evaluated in order to obtain a holistic understanding of very complex systems.

Visit HDS-LEE at:

Institute issuing the offer: IAS-8

We are looking for a PhD student in machine learning to work within a project linked to the “Helmholtz School for Data Science in Life, Earth and Energy (HDS-LEE)”.

• Develop physics-aware simulations of growing cell populations, including their spatiotemporal manipulation in microfluidic environments
• Design and implement reinforcement learning algorithms for control and manipulation, first in simulation and later on real experimental setups
• Refine a real-time planning and execution architecture for information-driven experiment steering (closed-loop control)
• Work in an interdisciplinary team of engineers, computer scientists, and life scientists
• Present your work at international conferences and learn about state-of-the-art methods in machine learning, reinforcement learning and computer vision for the life sciences

• Excellent Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, or mathematics (or a related field), with a focus on robot vision and control, image processing, or machine learning
• Solid mathematical and physics background, distinct analytical skills
• Very good programming (Python, C++) and computer (Linux, Windows) skills
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills
• You enjoy working within a diverse team in an international and interdisciplinary environment
• Very good English, both spoken and written. German language skills are not necessary but a plus
• High motivation and work ethics
• No prior biological experience is required, but curiosity about biological questions, collaborating closely with experimentalists, and working with real-world data
• You share our passion for teaching computers how to see, have done some previous research in this field (e.g., internships, research papers, etc.), and want to make an impact in a societally relevant application.

In your application, please include a statement of research interest, CV, copies of exams, degrees and grades (transcript of records), a copy of your Master thesis (or a draft thereof), published articles or other relevant material such as letter(s) of recommendation (if applicable).

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! This HDS-LEE PhD position will be located at Forschungszentrum Jülich with strong links to RWTH Aachen. We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructures
• Working in an international and interdisciplinary environment at one of Europe’s largest research institutes
• Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisors and opportunity to mentor students
• Unique HDS-LEE graduate school program (including data science courses, soft skill courses and annual retreats):
• A qualification that is highly valued in industry
• 30…