Postdoc: Three-Photon Microscopy and Advanced Wavefront Shaping / Adaptive Optics

Location: Heidelberg, Germany; based on-site for at least part of each week

Stipend: €4,237.89 per month after tax, excluding 12.99% personal pension and insurance contributions

Company

hirify.global is an international scientific research organization with laboratories and outstations across Europe.

What you will do

• Design mechanical, optical, electronic, and software components for custom-built three-photon microscopes.
• Develop wavefront shaping and adaptive optics strategies using spatial light modulators, deformable mirrors, and digital micromirror devices.
• Integrate adaptive optics control and computational reconstruction into microscope workflows.
• Benchmark imaging performance in thick, scattering tissue, organoid models, and live mouse or fish samples.
• Lead quantitative demonstrations, cross-site experiments, researcher exchanges, and collaboration with biologists and international partners.
• Disseminate research results through scientific publications and international conference presentations.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent qualification in physics, engineering, or a related field.
• Solid background in optics or photonics, preferably with experience in nonlinear or multiphoton microscopy, adaptive optics, or wavefront shaping.
• Experience building and aligning complex optical setups and working with pulsed lasers and spatial light modulators, deformable mirrors, or digital micromirror devices.
• Advanced computer skills for hardware control or simulation, such as Matlab, Python, LabView, CAD, or ZEMAX.
• Fluent English and strong communication and presentation skills are required.
• Ability to work independently, remain organized and reliable, and collaborate in an international research environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with live 3D biological samples, including mouse, fish, or organoid models.
• Experience supervising students and organizing laboratory work.
• Interest in biological applications of optical technologies and participation in international multi-site projects.

Culture & Benefits

• Two-year contract initially, with a possible extension.
• International, multidisciplinary, and highly collaborative research environment.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid patterns where compatible with the on-site fellowship requirements.
• Private medical insurance, pension and unemployment insurance, and family and child allowances.
• 30 days of annual leave in addition to public holidays.
• Relocation support for overseas hires, campus facilities, shuttle bus, cafeteria, library, sports, and social activities.
• Career planning and professional development support through the hirify.global Fellows’ Career Service.

Hiring process

• Submit a cover letter and CV through the online application system.
• Applications close at 23:59 CET on 09 November 2026.