PhD in Optoacoustic Tomography; f​/m​/x

PhD Candidate in Optoacoustic Tomography (f/m/x)

Full time, 39 hrs./week, Neuherberg near Munich

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

The Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) at Helmholtz Munich and the Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD Candidate (f/m/x) to develop the next generation of hand-held multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) systems for clinical imaging. This project aims to establish advanced hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging technologies with unprecedented image quality and quantitative performance.

As part of a multidisciplinary team spanning optics, acoustics, electronics, computation, engineering, physics, medicine, and clinical translation, you will contribute to technologies that expand the capabilities of clinical optoacoustic imaging and accelerate their translation toward real-world healthcare applications.

Join us in shaping the future of biomedical imaging

• Develop next-generation hand-held hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging systems with unprecedented image quality and quantitative performance.
• Advance clinical imaging solutions for cancer diagnosis and therapy monitoring, treatment-related toxicity assessment, and cardiometabolic disease evaluation.
• Develop innovative optical, acoustic, electronic, and computational technologies and components for clinical optoacoustic imaging.
• Contribute to internationally visible research programs funded by the European Union and the German Government.
• Collaborate closely with clinical partners and an innovative Med Tech start-up to accelerate technology translation toward healthcare applications.
• Publish in leading journals, present at international conferences, and contribute to intellectual property generation.
• Help redefine how advanced imaging technologies support diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and precision medicine.

• Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, medical technology, optics, mechatronics, computer engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong motivation, scientific curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: electronics and microelectronics, optical systems and lasers, ultrasound or sensor technologies, precision instrumentation, mechanical design and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), biomedical imaging systems.
• Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with optoacoustics, ultrasound imaging, embedded systems, electronics, image reconstruction, or scientific software development.

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.

It provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.

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.“

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural…