European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) 
Heidelberg, Germany Sintesi dell’opportunità
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position within the Prevedel group. This two-year fixed-term role focuses on advanced three-photon microscopy and adaptive optics for deep-tissue imaging in complex biological systems. The successful candidate will develop novel optical instrumentation, including wavefront shaping strategies, to enhance imaging depth and resolution in scattering tissues. Responsibilities involve designing mechanical and software components, integrating control methods, and collaborating with international partners under the EU Horizon Europe WIDERA Twinning grant. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in physics or engineering with expertise in optics, photonics, and nonlinear microscopy. The position offers a competitive monthly stipend of approximately €4,237.89 after tax, plus generous benefits including private medical insurance, flexible working arrangements, and professional development support through EMBL’s Fellows’ Career Service.
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Descrizione del progetto
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organizations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany) and the outstations are in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy).
The Prevedel group in Heidelberg is seeking a postdoc with an applied physics and/or engineering background to work on advanced three-photon microscopy for deep-tissue imaging in complex 3D biological tissues. In particular, the candidate will work on the development of new optical instrumentation with a particular emphasis on advanced wavefront shaping and adaptive optics for aberration correction, to push the achievable imaging depth and resolution of three-photon microscopes in thick, scattering tissue. Additionally, the successful candidate will team up with biologists and international partners to apply these advances to current scientific questions in organoid biology and other deep-tissue biological systems.
This project is part of the recently funded EU Horizon Europe WIDERA Twinning grant. Within this international consortium, the candidate will lead the quantitative demonstration of the developed imaging methods and contribute to cross-site method development, including hosting and co-supervising visiting researchers from the partner institutions. The successful candidate is expected to take a strong lead on his/her project and start to develop independent ideas. Our multi-disciplinary lab provides an innovative, dynamic and constructive working environment for this purpose. More information about the Prevedel group can be found here: www.prevedel.embl.de
Specific responsibilities:
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate should have a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in physics, engineering, or an equivalent field of study, with a solid background in optics/photonics, preferably with prior experience in nonlinear/multiphoton microscopy and/or adaptive optics and wavefront shaping. The candidate should ideally have experience building and aligning complex optical setups, must be comfortable with complex technical equipment (including pulsed lasers, spatial light modulators, deformable mirrors and/or digital micromirror devices) and preferably possess advanced computer skills for programming hardware control (Matlab, Python, LabView, or similar) and/or simulation skills (CAD, ZEMAX, or similar). Prior experience working with live 3D biological samples (e.g. mouse, fish or organoid models) would be an advantage, as would enthusiasm for working within an international, multi-site collaborative project involving regular exchange with partner institutions abroad. A keen interest in biological applications of new optical technologies as well as experience in supervising students and laboratory organization would be an advantage.
The successful candidate should be able to work independently, be very well organized, reliable and enjoy working in an international team within a highly collaborative atmosphere. Excellent communication and presentation skills, a high level of motivation and fluency in English are required.
Application Instructions
For questions, please contact directly Robert Prevedel (prevedel@embl.de).
Contract: initially limited to 2 years; an extension is possible.
Stipend: Monthly stipend is 4.237,89 after tax , plus generous benefits and financial allowances based on individual circumstances. Excluding 12,99% personal pension and insurance.
Professional development support
The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites.
Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.
To find out more please visit - EMBL-fellows-career-service
Why join us
Enjoy lots of employee benefits:
What else you need to know
Closing Date
09/11/2026
