PhD Positions in Advanced Biomedical Optics (ERC DeepVibes Project)

Cutting-edge PhD roles in label-free, chemically specific optical microscopy for deep-tissue imaging and biomedical diagnostics.

Best for:Best for physics, photonics, or computational microscopy graduates with hands-on lab experience and a passion for interdisciplinary biomedical research.

Medical University of Innsbruck · Innsbruck, Austria · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at Medical University of Innsbruck

Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopyAdaptive optics and wavefront shapingOptical diffraction tomographyComputational imaging and inverse reconstructionAI-assisted image reconstruction and analysis

Deadline

Dec 30, 2026

76 days

Funding

Stipend

Not specified (ERC Advanced Grant funding)

Start date

1 January 2027

Full-time

Location

Innsbruck

Austria

Overview

The Medical University of Innsbruck invites applications for PhD positions within the ERC Advanced Grant project 'DeepVibes,' which aims to revolutionize optical microscopy by enabling deep-tissue imaging with molecular specificity and diffraction-limited resolution. This interdisciplinary project combines stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, adaptive optics, wavefront shaping, and computational imaging to advance non-invasive visualization of biological structures and chemical compositions. PhD candidates will contribute to developing next-generation laser scanning microscopes, computational imaging algorithms, and AI-assisted image reconstruction. The project offers state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, interdisciplinary collaborations with biology and medicine, and opportunities for scientific development and conference participation in a vibrant alpine research environment.

biomedical opticsoptical microscopycomputational imagingadaptive opticswavefront shapingSRS microscopydeep-tissue imagingbiomedical diagnostics

What you'll do

Develop and optimize laser scanning microscopes with active wavefront control for deep-tissue imaging.
Design and implement computational imaging algorithms for inverse reconstruction and image processing.
Conduct experimental work in planning, constructing, and controlling optical setups for SRS microscopy.
Apply machine learning techniques to enhance image reconstruction and analysis.
Collaborate with biologists and medical researchers to translate optical technologies into biomedical applications.
Present research findings at international conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Participate in interdisciplinary workshops and contribute to the project’s scientific and technical development.

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree in Physics, Photonics, Computational Microscopy, Optical Engineering, or a closely related discipline

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; excellent proficiency (IELTS 7.0+ or equivalent)

Instruction: English

Required skills

Hands-on experience in experimental lab work, particularly in optical setups
Proficiency in scientific programming (Python)
Background in optical microscopy techniques
Strong mathematical and computational skills for image processing and algorithm development

Nice to have

Experience with machine learning or AI-assisted image analysisFamiliarity with adaptive optics and wavefront shaping principlesPrior research experience in biomedical optics or related fields

Eligibility

Open to applicants with 1–4 years of research experience post-Master’s
No specific nationality restrictions mentioned

Funding & terms

Type

Stipend

Amount

Not specified (ERC Advanced Grant funding)

Duration

3 years (standard PhD duration)

Programme

ERC Advanced Grant (Horizon Europe)

EU-FUNDEDEuropean Research Council (ERC)

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-12-31 (Europe/Brussels)

Applicants must submit a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, publication list (if applicable), and contact details for at least two referees via email to the project supervisor. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

Documents required