At the Leibniz Institute of Photonics Technology (Leibniz PHT) in the Research Department Photonic Data Science we offer a part-time position (65%), starts on October 1, 2025, for a

PhD candidate (m/f/d)

The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is initially limited to a period of 3 years. An extension will be sought if suitable.

The Leibniz-IPHT is a university independent research institute with close connection to the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena and member of the Leibniz association.

Job description:

Mid infrared (IR) spectroscopy has found an increasing place in biomedical applications thanks to its label-free and non-invasive features. IR measurements detect indirectly the vibrational states of the molecules and thereby provide fingerprints of the sample, which bring vast potential for biomedical investigation, understanding, and interpretation. To make this happen, however, requires the support of machine learning and artificial intelligence. A well-established IR data pipeline plays a critical and fundamental role in this regard. This PhD project aims to fill this gap by systematically investigating spectral analysis steps and developing a complete data pipeline to translate IR spectral data into biomedically meaningful conclusions. The tasks include preprocessing approaches to remove the artefacts like fringes, baseline profiles, etc. that are caused by scattering, reflection, interference, etc. during the IR measurements. A quality control procedure follows to benchmark the quality of the IR spectral data. Moreover, machine learning and deep learning approaches are to be developed and validated to reliably extract required biomedical knowledge from the spectral data.

Your field of activity includes:

• Investigation and development of approaches for IR spectral pre-treatment standardization
• Exploration and implementation of quality control markers for IR spectral data
• Development of feature extraction and statistical models based on machine learning and deep learning to translate IR spectral data into meaningful biomedical knowledge
• Construct a complete data pipeline for IR spectral analysis including experimental design, preprocessing and statistical modelling.

Your qualification:

• Relevant completed degree in a scientific field such as electrical engineering or computer science

Desired knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of data science methods
• Best with experience in deep learning approaches, such as UNet, GAN, etc.
• Understanding of IR techniques like O-PTR and /or similar photonic technologies, would be desirable
• Good experience Python, R, or Matlab
• English skills that are sufficient for smooth communication and writing
• Good skills in networking and communications are a prerequisite

We offer:

• An open welcoming culture and an inclusive and interdisciplinary working environment: Located on the Beutenberg campus in Jena, Leibniz-IPHT is home to more than 400 employees from around the world working at the interface of physics, biochemistry, technology, data science and medicine to develop the photonic technologies of tomorrow.
• World-class equipment and facilities: Leibniz-IPHT has a large number of physics, chemistry and biology laboratories at the highest level. It also has state-of-the-art fiber drawing and clean room facilities (including lithography facilities) as well as microfluidics fabrication and big data computing facilities.
• Thorough and comprehensive personal training: Transferring good practices in scientific working and outreach is one of our main focus points. We'll teach everything that is needed for a career inside and outside of academia in a respectful and enjoyable way. Moreover, plenty of workshops and opportunities for scientific exchange are offered by the Leibniz IPHT, as well as the Abbe School of Photonics and the Graduate Academy of the Friedrich-Schiller University Jena.
• A family-friendly working environment with support offers for the compatibility of family and work (e.g. parent-child rooms, campus kindergarten places, advice on family care situations from trained care guides and much more).
• Flexible working time models as well as 30 days vacation/year, special annual payment and bridge days.
• Jena - City of Science: a young city with a vibrant local cultural agenda!

Salary:

Salary is in accordance with the regulations of the TV-L and your qualifications and experience.

About us:

We are a modern, internationally focused research institute. Work-life balance is one of our central concerns. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social origin. If women are underrepresented in the area of the advertised position, they will be given preferential consideration in the hiring process if they are equally qualified.

Further information:

If you have any questions, please contact Shuxia Guo, mail: shuxia.guo@leibniz-ipht.de.

Application:

Please simply apply via our job portal (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/institute/career/job-portal/) or send your application with the usual documents (CV, certificates, reference addresses) until August 1, 2025 by e-mail, preferably as one pdf file, quoting reference number 1368 to the:

Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology Jena e. V.

Human Resources

Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena

E-Mail: Personal_Abtl@leibniz-ipht.de

Reference Number: 1368