Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

Your Tasks

We develop robust optofluidic experiments that use light-driven flows to manipulate cells and microscopic objects. Our next step is to connect these platforms with AI agents - potentially including Hermes-like tool-using agents and multi-agent systems - to plan experiments, operate instruments, analyse outcomes and improve subsequent actions. Help us turn reliable laboratory hardware into autonomous scientific discovery systems. Your role

• Develop and integrate tool-using AI agents and multi-agent workflows with established optofluidic and microscopy setups.
• Build robust Pythosn interfaces, APIs and instrument-control services for acquisition, actuation and experimental feedback.
• Combine quantitative image analysis, machine learning, feedback control and optimisation to enable adaptive experiments and autonomous scientific data generation.
• Develop experimental planning and agent evaluation with safeguards, logging, reproducible protocols and systematic handling of failures.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team and publish new methods and scientific results in biophotonics and Physical AI.

Your Profile

• PhD in physics, biophysics, mechatronics, robotics, engineering, computer sciences or related field.
• Strong Python programming skills, quantitative and mathematical reasoning and experience developing or automating scientific systems.
• Experience in at least one of laboratory automation, instrument control, robotics, computer vision, feedback control, biophysics or machine learning.
• Solid analytical skills, independent problem-solving, collaborative mindset and excellent English communication.
• Interest in agentic AI, autonomous experimentation and scientific discovery; experience with LLM-based agents, MCP/API tools or multi-agent systems is a plus - not a prerequisite.
• Optics or biophotonics experience is welcome but not required: outstanding candidates from adjacent fields are encouraged to apply.

We Offer

• Science for Impact Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Flexible Working Hours
• Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities
• We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Family-friendliness The "KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy Under the motto "Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.
• Individualised Extra Benefits
• Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.
• Job location
• Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe)
• Salary
• Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.
• Contract duration
• 2 years

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) Agentic AI for Autonomous Microscopy & Optofluidic Robotics Institute for Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS) 2 years as soon as possible Full-time 66,800.00 to 81,900.00 EUR gross per year Share this job!