Researcher - Engineering & Physics Talents for Biomedical Innovations (f/m/x)

07.08.2025, Wissenschaftliches Personal

We are now looking for a highly qualified and motivated researcher with an engineering or physics background (f/m/x) and a motivation to drive technology towards the market.

Are you passionate about science? Full of ideas and innovative potential to drive change? Do you see yourself working in an international fast-paced, highly competitive, scientific environment? If you are motivated by the societal impact of science and technology, if you seek an opportunity to play an active role in the development of emerging technologies for biology and healthcare; then, the Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and its integrated Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) at the Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU), Germany, is the ideal environment for you!

In flow probing of absorption profiles of medically relevant cell types is a critical diagnostic asset. The Cell Engineering lab at Helmholtz Munich together with the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research in Dresden developed a new approach for that 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 cheap and 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.

The position requires a fast adaption to the existing technology (technological readiness level TRL 2-3) to test several medical use cases and implement technological advances (next generation of chips and laser diodes). 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. In that sense we also highly encourage candidates that would be interest to drive the project longer into a start-up phase.

Your task:

• Implement technology advances regarding laser diodes and chips in interaction with the respective researchers and implementing the technology in the existing setup.
• Conducting proof-of-concept measurements using medical relevant cell types
• Preparing a publication demonstrating the advances of the concept
• 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

Your profile:

• University degree (MSc or PhD) in any 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. including instrument control e.g. through MATLAB)
• Background in the medical diagnostics technology field is a plus.
• Business creation and Start-up experience in MedTech or diagnostics is considered a plus.
• Self-motivated and resilient to kick-off an ambitious project.
• Motivated Team player who works well as part of an entrepreneurial minded team.
• Experience in working in fast-paced environments.
• Great communication skills.
• Business fluent command of the English language.

Our offer:

The successful applicant will initially have a 1-year contract. The nature of the project brings with it the possibility to access continuity in funding for their own position and a potential start-up seed funding. Salary will commensurate with work experience and seniority (TV EntgO Bund EG 13). To promote diversity, we welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion and age. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

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) are an integrated, multi-disciplinary research structure and form the cornerstone of a rapidly expanding bioengineering ecosystem in Munich, Germany; including the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus and the Research Center TranslaTUM, which integrate bioengineering with metabolic disorders and oncology, respectively. IBMI scientists develop next-generation imaging and sensing methods to measure previously inaccessible properties of living systems, hence, catalyzing breakthroughs in biology, medicine and the environment. Comprising 11 inter-disciplinary laboratories and scientists from more than 25 countries, IBMI offers state-of-the-art infrastructure for innovative research and a perfect environment to accelerate your career.

Situated on the foothills of the Alps, Munich is consistently ranked as one of the most vibrant and enjoyable cities in the world, with an exceptionally quality of life. Greater Munich is also home to several world-class universities and research institutes, creating a truly inspiring intellectual atmosphere.

Your application:

We are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive online application , including your letter of motivation, CV, and academic transcripts of records, preferably in English. Please indicate "SAW-OA-PoC Application” in the subject line.

For any question, please contact:

Prof. Dr. André C. Stiel
email: andre.stiel@tum.de

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