Optical Engineer/Research Scientist (Optical Imaging)

TL;DR

Optical Engineer/Research Scientist (Optical Imaging): Designing and building advanced optical, mechanical, and electronic systems for three-dimensional deep-tissue and in vivo microscopy with an accent on custom microscope development, hardware control, and quantitative imaging. Focus on integrating optomechanics, pulsed laser systems, computational analysis, and laboratory coordination to support biological and neuroscientific research.

Location: Heidelberg, Germany

Salary: €4,147.92–€4,713.20 per month after tax and before German social security contributions, depending on experience and qualifications.

Company

hirify.global is an international, curiosity-driven life sciences research organisation focused on collaborative scientific research and innovation.

What you will do

• Design mechanical, optical, and electronic components for custom light microscopes used in three-dimensional imaging of scattering biological tissue.
• Construct, align, characterise, and adapt microscopy setups for life science applications and specialised imaging conditions.
• Develop and maintain hardware control, data acquisition, imaging automation, post-processing, and quantitative three-dimensional visualisation software.
• Maintain the group codebase and repositories and support cluster-based computing for large-scale imaging data analysis.
• Collaborate with biologists and instrumentation workshops on practical microscope designs, sample mounts, and environmental control systems.
• Provide technical training, coordinate laboratory organisation, and oversee equipment, databases, laser safety, and chemical safety protocols.

Requirements

• MSc, or preferably PhD, in optical engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with advanced optical systems, complex microscopy or spectroscopy setups, optical alignment and characterisation, and pulsed laser systems.
• Strong programming skills in LabView, Python, Matlab, or similar tools.
• Proficiency in CAD software for designing optomechanical components.
• Excellent organisational skills, independence, reliability, and a pragmatic hands-on approach.
• Fluency in English and strong communication and presentation skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with computational optics, image analysis, or large-scale data processing on compute clusters.
• Familiarity with laser, biological, and chemical safety regulations.
• Experience with biological sample preparation, student supervision, or technical mentoring.
• Interest in biological and neuroscientific applications of novel optical technologies.

Culture & Benefits

• Initial three-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension based on performance.
• Flexible working arrangements and an international, inclusive research environment.
• Private medical insurance, pension and other social insurance benefits, annual salary review, and 30 days of annual leave plus public holidays.
• Relocation support, including an installation grant where applicable, and international newcomer benefits.
• Campus facilities include a shuttle bus, library, subsidised cafeteria, sports and social clubs, and family support services.

Hiring process

• Submit a cover letter and CV through the online application system.
• Applications close at 23:59 CET on 14 September 2026.
• A response is expected within two weeks after the closing date.