PhD Student or Postdoctoral Researcher in Optoacoustic Tomography (f/m/d)

30.06.2026, Academic staff

Join us in shaping the future of biomedical imaging

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

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

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD Student or Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) 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.

You will have the opportunity to:

• 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 MedTech start-up.
• Publish in leading journals and present at international conferences.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation.
• Help redefine imaging technologies for diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and precision medicine.

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

• 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 CAD
  • biomedical imaging systems
• Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Our Offer

This position is your opportunity to help create a new generation of medical technology with strong dissemination and commercialization potential.

• Participation in a highly ambitious international research program.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• Close interaction with leading experts.
• Opportunities for patents and technology transfer.
• Extensive international networking.
• Career development programs via Helmholtz Munich and TUM.
• Additional PhD programs at TUM.
• Dynamic and 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 successful applicant will initially receive a three-year contract (PhD) or a two-year contract commensurate with experience (Postdoctoral researcher), with the possibility of extension. A long-term perspective is available for outstanding candidates. Salary will follow the German Federal public service salary scale (TV EntgO Bund EG13; EG13-75% for PhD students).

TUM and Helmholtz Munich are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. 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

Apply here: online application
Contact

Dr. Ivy Curren
Dr. Maximilian Bader

Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI)
Ismaningerstr. 22
81675 Munich, Germany

Links:
Helmholtz Munich
Helmholtz Pioneer Campus
TranslaTUM
Linkedin
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Kontakt: [email protected]

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