Postdoc / Research Engineer - Microfluidics And Microbial Single - cell Analysis

Postdoc Position At Forschungszentrum Jülich

This position is ideal for postdocs with a passion for innovation, interdisciplinary science, and entrepreneurial impact. At the IBG-1 at Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and within a multidisciplinary Helmholtz and University consortium (FZJ, HZI, Helmholtz Munich and HHUD), we are creating a unique platform to monitor and steer how living, therapeutic gut-microbes compete with multidrug-resistant pathogens. In this position as a postdoc you will develop innovative microfluidic habitats that generate precisely controlled oxygen and nutrient dynamics for high-throughput microbial invasion assays and live-cell imaging. Working at the interface of microfluidics, quantitative microbiology, and AI-assisted microscopy, you will transform these methods into a robust screening platform. Beyond fundamental discovery, your work will foster translational applications and commercialization pathways, paving the way for spin-off ventures in microbiome diagnostics, probiotic development, and microfluidic automation. Your tasks in detail:

• Design and fabricate microfluidic cultivation chips emulating colon-like oxygen and nutrient dynamics and gradients for high-throughput operation. Therefore, develop and implement dual-layer gas–fluid architectures (Kasahara et al., LOC 2025) and SLE-glass top layers to achieve fine oxygen control
• Conduct microbial co-cultivation experiments on model gut communities under controlled conditions and integrate chip systems with AI-assisted live-cell microscopy for autonomous feedback imaging and data analysis.
• Contribute to trainings, technology transfer and perform lab rotations across Helmholtz centers.
• Publish results in high-impact journals and present on international conferences.
• Explore funding opportunities for potential spin offs

Your profile:

• Masters degree with subsequent PhD in microfluidics, bioengineering, biotechnology, biophysics, or closely related field, with demonstrated expertise in microfluidics design and fabrication.
• Proven experience with live-cell imaging, quantitative analysis, and automated microscopy workflows.
• Excellent interdisciplinary communication, teamwork, and presentation skills, with confidence engaging across biology, engineering, and data science.
• Scientific writing skills and first journal publications
• Experience in programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB) for experiment control and data analysis is advantageous.
• Self-motivated, organized, and open to collaborative, cross-institutional research.
• Fluent in English; German is a plus but not required.

Our offer:

• State-of-the-art facilities for microfabrication (Helmholtz Nano Facility) and automated live-cell microscopy, and microbial physiology.
• Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development
• Opportunities to engage in technology translation and spin-off preparation within FZJ's innovation ecosystem.
• Extensive company health management
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
• A full-time position (39h/week) with flexible working hours, and 30 days of annual leave
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
• Exploration and preparation of next career opportunities supported by our Career Center & Postdoc Office

We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group 13, depending on the applicant's qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.