Mannheim Technical University of Applied Sciences is a modern campus university that qualifies around 5,100 students in nine faculties. The university is one of the leading universities for applied sciences in research and teaching and cooperates with many important companies. We offer a family-friendly, livable environment in the heart of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.
We are seeking to fill the following position for the "OncoSnipR" project starting January 1, 2027:
PhD Candidate for AI-assisted image analysis and optimization of drug delivery systems (f/m/d)
EG 13 TV-L, 80% employment scope (31,6 hours/ week)
Reference number 6111 P
at the Department of Biotechnology (Prof. Sauer's research group).
Project Information
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Research & Technology, the interdisciplinary project "OncoSnipR" is dedicated to the further development and better mechanistic understanding of a novel personalized cancer therapy based on CRISPR/Cas and RNA vaccine technologies. In a collaboration spanning cell-based biomedical research, computer science, and industry, AI-assisted research is conducted on new drug formulations made of nanoparticles and RNA molecules to optimize their efficiency, cell-type specificity, and tissue penetration, as well as to better understand the underlying mechanisms.
Key Responsibilities
- Development and application of in silico methods for analyzing 3D microscopy data, particularly algorithms for image segmentation and classification
- Computer-aided experimental design for optimizing the drug delivery system
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with academic and private sector partners.
- Publication of research results in scientific journals and reports.
Requirements:
- A completed academic degree (Master’s or university diploma) in bioinformatics, biotechnology (with a focus on computational methods), or a comparable field, with above-average grades (minimum grade of 2.0 in German grading system)
- Knowledge of developing and adapting AI methods for the segmentation of cell biology image data
- Knowledge of statistical experimental design; knowledge of Bayesian optimization is desirable
- Extensive programming experience, ideally in Python
- Basic knowledge of cell biology research questions and laboratory procedures
- Ability and willingness to work independently in a scientific and goal-oriented manner, including publication
- Results-oriented approach and ability to work well in a team
- Ability to effectively communicate one’s own results and methods within an interdisciplinary team
- Very good written and spoken English (at least C1) as well as basic German language skills (A2)
- High degree of independence, analytical skills, and decision-making ability
We offer you:
- Applied research in collaboration with a highly innovative industry partner and the renowned experimental research group led by Prof. Rudolf
- Doctoral degree via the Promotionsverband der Hochschulen für Angewandte Wissenschaften Baden-Württemberg (BW-CAR)
- public sector benefits under the TV-L collective bargaining agreement, such as a company pension plan, capital-forming benefits, and an annual bonus
- Work-life balance and the ability to balance family and career through flexible working hours, centralized support services through “Together on Campus,” and voiio
- Entitlement to educational leave
- days off on December 24th and December 31st
- Workplace health management initiatives, university sports, and corporate fitness
- Work in a convenient location with excellent VRN and DB connections, nextbike bike-sharing, and JobBike
- Travel expense reimbursements when using the Job Ticket
- Mannheim University of Applied Sciences has been awarded the “Total E-Quality” designation.
The employment contract is for a
limited until December 31, 2030. The salary range for EG13 is 47,459.29€ – 67,455.86€ per year (Note: This reflects the 80% part-time share).
Severely disabled applicants (f/m/d) will be given priority if they are suitably qualified
To increase the proportion of female employees, qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any questions regarding gender equality, please contact the Equal Opportunity Officer, Prof. Dr. Jessica Steinberger, at gleichstellung(at)th-mannheim.de.
Contact: Please direct any academic questions to Prof. Dr. Simeon Sauer (s.sauer(at)th-mannheim.de). For HR-related inquiries, please contact the Human Resources Department at bewerberfragen(at)th-mannheim.de.
We look forward to receiving your application by
November 15, 2026, via our online application portal.
The application documents submitted will be deleted or destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the selection process has been completed. Please also note our privacy policy.