Postdoctoral Researcher – Agentic Correlative Image Analysis for BlueMaterials

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

Institute of Metallic Biomaterials

In the Institute of Metallic Biomaterials new titanium and magnesium based implant materials for regenerative medicine are developed, produced and characterized. Researchers investigate the factors influencing the process chain and properties. In addition, the interaction of material and tissue is studied in the laboratory and at the synchrotron. 

Postdoctoral Researcher – Agentic Correlative Image Analysis for BlueMaterials

JobID: 1058 – 2026/MB 3
Location: Rostock
Application deadline: 23 September, 2026

Join the Cluster of Excellence "BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials" (www.tuhh.de/bluemat) and collaborate with a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines science, sustainability, and technology to create a better future. Help shape the next generation of sustainable materials inspired by nature's most powerful resource: water.

For the Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon for as soon as possible, we are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher – Agentic Correlative Image Analysis for BlueMaterials. In principle, the full time position (39 h/​week) is also sharable. The position is fixed-term until 31 August 2029 and located in Rostock.

Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.

The BlueMat project 'Agentic correlative image analysis for BlueMaterials', bridges the different imaging and characterization techniques developed within the cross-area imaging and gives support to all researchers in the cluster of excellence to retrieve the highest quality information from image data. The project focusses on implementing an agentic framework for automation of correlative imaging and the corresponding image analysis in particular. By implementing LLM‑driven agents that plan the analysis workflow, call established image-analysis modules and judge their own output, you will streamline image processing efforts and enable the elucidation of specific mechanisms of water-material interactions.

Your tasks

• design and implement the agentic framework including task planning, tool use and function calling, and self-evaluation loops that orchestrate existing image-analysis modules
• build a natural-language interface so BlueMat researchers can run correlative analyses without writing code
• automate including image registration and enabling automated extraction of morphological features (e.g., porosity, tortuosity, connectivity) and fluid flow characteristics from 2D and 3D images resulting from magnetic resonance, X‑ray and electron images
• integration of motion analysis and digital volume correlation
• processing of images in preparation for image-based modelling
• individual support for researchers across BlueMat in solving image analysis challenges, especially segmentation and quantitative extraction

Your profile

• PhD in computer science, physics, materials science, applied mathematics or a related field
• experience in building LLM-based agent systems
• strong background in image processing and analysis, including deep learning
• experience with correlative imaging workflows and 2D/3D registration techniques
• strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++
• ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
• excellent communication skills in English
• proven project management skills are highly desirable
• willingness to travel regularly between Rostock and Hamburg (DESY)

Content-related enquiries regarding this position can be directed to Prof. Dr. Berit Zeller-Plumhoff (berit.zeller-plumhoff@hereon.de).

Our offer

• an exciting and varied job in a research center with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• International Welcome Office with guest accommodation
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to EG 13 (according to EntgO Bund)
• very good work-life balance; options for mobile and flexible work
• a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
• individual opportunities for further training
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• Operational Health Management, e.g. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Corporate Benefits

Interested?

Then we are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, certificates, etc.) indicating the reference number 2026/MB 3 until 23 September, 2026.

Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.