Ph.D. student or Postdoc: Imaging applications in photoswitching- optoacoustic imaging

Chair of Biological Imaging

30.01.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The lab

The Stiel lab (Stiel-lab.de) is one of the laboratories at the Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging in the Department of Bioengineering at Helmholtz Munich . Our group focuses on the development and application of genetically encoded agents, primarily for photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging. We are also driving the development of specialized screening, spectroscopy, and imaging instruments forward to complement our molecular tools. For example, single cell in flow measurements of optoacoustic signals.

The job

In flow probing of absorption profiles of medically relevant cell types is a critical diagnostic asset. Our group together with the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research in Dresden developed a new approach for this challenge using surface acoustic wave detection of photoacoustic signals from cells flowing in microfluidic chips (Göllner, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2025). Such a chip format combined with low-cost small laser diodes for excitation of the photoacoustic signals can allow small and affordable detection of cells in flow for example for melanoma detection, blood diseases like malaria and sickle cell anemia and potentially (expanding to the infrared range) also metabolic diseases. The technology spawned from a European ERC CoG, now received dedicated funding by a European ERC PoC grant to further chart its applicability to medical questions and explore the market perspective. Due to this we are now looking for a researcher with an engineering or physics background and a motivation to drive the technology towards the market. The goal is to drive the technology towards a demonstrator level (TRL 5-6) that allows to chart the next steps. Hence, the conducted work shall always entail the perspective towards generating data for entrepreneurial seed funding (GO-Bio etc.) for a further development of the technology towards the market. Initial tasks are:

• Implement technology advances regarding laser diodes and chips in interaction with the respective co-researchers and implementing the technology in the existing setup.
• Conducting proof-of-concept measurements using medical relevant cell types o Preparing a publication demonstrating the advances of the concept o Conduct in depth technology competitive analysis, market landscape overview, and positioning for subsequent fundraising and go-to-market activities.
• Lead the acquisition of future funding in close collaboration with the fundraising team

The candidate
The position requires a fast adaption to the existing technology to test several medical use cases and implement technological advances (next generation of chips and laser diodes). Hence, the candidate should have a firm background in instrumentation control and biophysical measurements but also be eager to explore use cases in (bio)medical questions like circulating melanoma cells or blood cell diseases. Due to the application perspective of the technology, we also highly encourage candidates that would be interest to drive the project for a longer time into a start-up phase e.g. after their PhD. Hence, we look for the following capabilities:

• University degree (MSc or PhD) in of physics, engineering, medicine or biology.
• Experience in optics and signal processing that allows a quick adaption to the technological needs.
• Hands on experience in working with experimental setups (incl. instrument control e.g. through MATLAB) o Background in the medical diagnostics technology field is a plus.
• Self-motivated and resilient to kick-off an ambitious project o Motivated team player who works well as part of an entrepreneurially minded team.
• Experience in working in fast-paced environments.
• Great communication skills.
• Business fluent command of the English language.

Our offer:

Helmholtz Munich is an internationally recognized top research institution offering a creative and stimulating work environment. With research bridging physics and engineering with chemistry, biology and medicine there are highly diverse opportunities to innovate, collaborate and excel. We support career development, continuing education and teaching and training opportunities. Munich is one of the most attractive and innovative major cities in Germany and a place of scientific excellence and interaction, hosting several of Germany’s top universities and research institutions in addition to the Helmholtz Zentrum München (e.g. TUM, LMU, Max Planck institutes). Situated at the foothills of the Alps, Munich is, furthermore, famous for its high quality of life.

The contract will initially be limited to 2 or 3 years with the possibility for further extension. Salary is commensurate with work experience and seniority (TV EntgO Bund EG13 (Postdoc) or EG13 - 60% (PhD candidate).

Your application:

We look forward to receiving your complete application documents including your letter of motivation, CV, and credentials in a single pdf file via email to André C. Stiel . Thank you for indicating "Post-doc / Ph.D. student - SAW2See" in the subject line.

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Kontakt: andre.stiel

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