Optical Engineer/Research Scientist

The Research Scientist will join the Prevedel group at EMBL Heidelberg. The goal of the lab is to develop next-generation, innovative optical imaging techniques to push the frontier of deep tissue and in vivo microscopy, with direct applications in biology and neuroscience. The primary role is to support the group by contributing to its research projects and day-to-day laboratory management.

The successful candidate will directly participate in the group’s research projects and will be responsible for training and providing technical assistance to students and postdoctoral fellows. They will also be in charge of general lab organisation (Lab manager), including ordering of supplies and equipment and maintenance of databases.

Your role 
– Design of mechanical, optical, and electronic components of cutting-edge, custom light microscopes for three-dimensional imaging inside scattering biological tissue.
– Construction, alignment, and adaptation of custom microscopy setups for specific life science applications and imaging conditions.
– Development and maintenance of hardware control and data acquisition software (LabView, Python, Matlab, or similar), including automation of imaging workflows and post-processing pipelines.
– Maintenance and development of the group’s codebase and GitHub repositories, and providing cluster computing support for large-scale data analysis.
– Programming and customisation of computational data analysis packages, including three-dimensional visualisation and quantitative analysis of imaging data.
– CAD-based design of custom optomechanical components for microscope construction and sample interfacing.
– Working in close collaboration with biologists and the EMBL instrumentation workshops to ensure practicality and usability of the microscopes, including custom sample mounts and environmental control.
– Ensuring a continuous technology watch to keep the group’s microscopes at a cutting-edge level in terms of both hardware and software.
– Training and providing technical assistance to students and postdoctoral fellows in the group.
– Representing the lab in the Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit’s lab manager network, participating in joint weekly meetings, and contributing to cross-unit technical coordination.
– General lab organisation, including ordering of supplies and equipment, maintenance of databases, and oversight of laser and chemical safety protocols.

You have 
– MSc, or preferably a PhD, in optical engineering, physics, or a related field.
– Hands-on experience with advanced optical systems, including alignment and characterisation of complex microscopy or spectroscopy setups and pulsed laser systems.
– Strong programming skills in one or more of: LabView, Python, Matlab, or similar.
– Proficiency in CAD software for the design of optomechanical components.
– Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks independently and reliably.
– A pragmatic, hands-on mindset — focused on finding practical solutions and getting things to work.
– Fluency in English and strong communication and presentation skills.

You may also have
– Experience with computational optics, image analysis, or large-scale data processing on compute clusters.
– Familiarity with laser, biological and chemical safety regulations in a research laboratory environment.
– Prior experience with biological sample preparation and handling.
– Experience supervising students or junior researchers in a technical setting.
– A keen interest in the biological and neuroscientific applications of novel optical technologies.

**Contract length: **The initial contract is for a period of 3 years with the possibility of a fixed-term extension depending on individual performance. 

**Salary: ** Grade 5 or 6; depending on experience and qualifications (monthly salary starting from € 4.147,92 – 4.713,20 after tax, and before 12.99% EMBL social security deductions) plus other paid benefits.