PhD Position - Representation and Active Learning for Multi-Sc...

• Developing multi-scale and multi-modal representation learning methods for scientific imaging data (e.g., SEM, TEM, EBSD).
• Learning representations that are robust to scale changes, modality shifts, and domain differences across instruments and laboratories.
• Designing active learning and experimental design strategies that use learned representations to guide data acquisition under cost and uncertainty constraints.
• Building surrogate models that connect imaging-derived representations with downstream physical or functional properties.
• Collaborating closely with experimental partners to integrate decision-making algorithms into real scientific workflows.
• Publishing results in high-impact machine learning and interdisciplinary journals and conferences, and contributing to open-source research software.

The developed methods will be validated using large-scale electron microscopy data from collaborative research projects, including an EU-funded project on sustainable steel development, while maintaining a clear focus on fundamental AI research questions.

## Your Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in foundational machine learning research and its application to real-world scientific problems. You should bring:

• A completed university degree (Master or equivalent) in computer science, data science, applied mathematics, physics, materials science, or a related field.
• Solid background in machine learning and/or computer vision.
• Interest in representation learning, active learning, uncertainty modeling, or decision-making under constraints.
• Experience with Python and modern ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Curiosity for interdisciplinary research; prior experience with scientific or microscopy data is welcome but not required.
• Strong analytical skills, scientific creativity, and the ability to work independently while collaborating in a team environment.
• Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.

## Our Benefits for You

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• **A creative work environment:** A leading research facility, located on an attractive research campus at the and the Forschungszentrum Jülich. The opportunity to conduct exciting research in an international and multidisciplinary environment with outstanding infrastructure and to strengthen your reputation in a dynamic and highly active research field
• **Networking & Exchange:** The opportunity to participate in international conferences and project meetings as well as an opportunity for a fully funded extended international research stay
• **Knowledge & Development:** Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates .
• **Annual Leave:** You get 30 days of annual leave
• **Work-life balance:** We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• **Fair remuneration:** Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (80%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the (pay scale table on page 74 of the PDF download).
• **Fixed-term:** The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years
• **Support for international employees:** Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

To apply, please submit a complete CV, letter of motivation, university degree records and certificates.

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.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options:

• *Place of Employment:** Aachen und Jülich
• *Start Date:**To the next possible date
• *Salary:** Pay group 13 (80%) TVöD-Bund
• *Application Deadline:**The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled.

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Source: Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis), table; dl-de/by-2-0; StarIn's calculation

Posted Oct 28, 2026

Posted Oct 27, 2026