Lead Development Scientist/Engineer – Optoacoustic Imaging Systems (f/m/x)

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.

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 an outstanding and highly motivated scientist or engineer (f/m/x) to play a leading role in the development and clinical translation of a next‑generation optoacoustic imaging platform.

This project aims to establish entirely new ways of assessing human wellness and disease, focusing on novel functional and metabolic tissue readings obtained non‑invasively.

This advance will open opportunities for earlier diagnosis, monitoring, and personalized management of cardio‑metabolic disorders.

As part of a multidisciplinary team spanning mathematics, computation and AI, engineering, physics, medicine, and regulatory science, you will contribute to bridging technological innovation with the pathway that brings breakthrough imaging technologies into human studies and clinical practice.

You will have the opportunity to

• Drive the development of advanced optoacoustic instrumentation and sensing technologies.
• Understand in depth the regulatory and quality‑management activities supporting first‑in‑human studies.
• Contribute to device validation, performance characterization, and clinical translation.
• Collaborate with leading clinical, industrial, and academic partners across Europe.
• Design and implement novel optical, electronic, and system‑level solutions.
• Publish in leading journals, present at international conferences, and contribute to intellectual property generation.
• Help redefine how health and disease are assessed in future medicine.

Your profile

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Medical Technology, Computer Science or related disciplines with a strong academic record.
• An aptitude for navigating the medical device regulatory process.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Optical systems and photonics; Lasers and fiber optics; Sensors and instrumentation; Biomedical imaging technologies; Electronics and embedded systems; Medical device development; Regulatory pathways for medical devices.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, Lab VIEW, or related environments.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary teamwork in an international research environment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with medical device development or translational research.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, quality management systems, or clinical studies.
• Experience in optoacoustics, ultrasound, optical imaging, spectroscopy, or related technologies.
• Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation transfer, or commercialization.

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13.

Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public‑Sector Employees (TVöD).

The position has an (initial) fixed term of 2 years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Our offer

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

You will work in one of the world's leading centers for optoacoustic imaging and gain direct exposure to the entire innovation pipeline, from technology invention and system engineering to clinical validation and regulatory translation.

We offer

• Participation in a highly ambitious, internationally visible research program.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art imaging, photonics, electronics, and biomedical research infrastructure.
• Close interaction with world‑leading experts in imaging, bioengineering, and clinical medicine.
• Opportunities to contribute to patents, technology transfer, and future commercialization activities.
• Extensive international networking and collaboration opportunities.
• Outstanding career‑development and training programs through Helmholtz Munich and TUM.
• A dynamic, supportive, and highly collaborative working environment.

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.

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Scientific Resources: State‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age.

Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich.

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