Postdoc: Three-photon microscopy and advanced wavefront shaping / adaptive optics in Heidelberg

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organizations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany) and the outstations are in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy). The Prevedel group in Heidelberg is seeking a postdoc with an applied physics and/or engineering background to work on advanced three-photon microscopy for deep-tissue imaging in complex 3D biological tissues. In particular, the candidate will work on the development of new optical instrumentation with a particular emphasis on advanced wavefront shaping and adaptive optics for aberration correction, to push the achievable imaging depth and resolution of three-photon microscopes in thick, scattering tissue. Additionally, the successful candidate will team up with biologists and international partners to apply these advances to current scientific questions in organoid biology and other deep-tissue biological systems. This project is part of the recently funded EU Horizon Europe WIDERA Twinning grant. Within this international consortium, the candidate will lead the quantitative demonstration of the developed imaging methods and contribute to cross-site method development, including hosting and co-supervising visiting researchers from the partner institutions. The successful candidate is expected to take a strong lead on his/her project and start to develop independent ideas. Our multi-disciplinary lab provides an innovative, dynamic and constructive working environment for this purpose. More information about the Prevedel group can be found here: www.prevedel.embl.de

Specific responsibilities

• Design of mechanical, optical, electronic and software components of novel, custom-built three-photon microscopes for deep-tissue 3D imaging.
• Development of advanced wavefront shaping and adaptive optics strategies (e.g. using spatial light modulators, deformable mirrors and/or digital micromirror devices) for aberration correction in thick, scattering tissue, including live animals (mouse/fish).
• Integration of adaptive optics control and computational reconstruction methods into the microscope's operation workflow, and quantitative benchmarking of imaging performance in a range of samples including organoid models.
• Demonstration of new imaging technologies in live biological samples in close collaboration with other team members, biologists, and the project's international partners, including cross-site experiments and researcher exchanges.
• Dissemination of research results in scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate should have a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in physics, engineering, or an equivalent field of study, with a solid background in optics/photonics, preferably with prior experience in nonlinear/multiphoton microscopy and/or adaptive optics and wavefront shaping. The candidate should ideally have experience building and aligning complex optical setups, must be comfortable with complex technical equipment (including pulsed lasers, spatial light modulators, deformable mirrors and/or digital micromirror devices) and preferably possess advanced computer skills for programming hardware control (Matlab, Python, LabView, or similar) and/or simulation skills (CAD, ZEMAX, or similar). Prior experience working with live 3D biological samples (e.g. mouse, fish or organoid models) would be an advantage, as would enthusiasm for working within an international, multi-site collaborative project involving regular exchange with partner institutions abroad. A keen interest in biological applications of new optical technologies as well as experience in supervising students and laboratory organization would be an advantage. The successful candidate should be able to work independently, be very well organized, reliable and enjoy working in an international team within a highly collaborative atmosphere. Excellent communication and presentation skills, a high level of motivation and fluency in English are required.

Contract

Contract: initially limited to 2 years; an extension is possible.

Stipend

Stipend: Monthly stipend is 4.237,89 after tax , plus generous benefits and financial allowances based on individual circumstances. Excluding 12,99% personal pension and insurance.

Professional development support

The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites. Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.

Why join us

Enjoy lots of employee benefits:

• Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit and unemployment insurances
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns
• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family
• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays
• Campus life: Free shuttle bus (Heidelberg), on-site library, subsidised on-site cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
• Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances

What else you need to know

International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions.

Diversity and inclusion

At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

Job location

All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas, you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.

EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here

Closing Date 09/11/2026

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