2026 PhD Position: Deep learning for Phase-contrast Synchrotron X-ray Tomography at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon

This PhD position is part of the ErUM-Data project CmarT, which aims to develop a novel multi-scale imaging approach at synchrotron radiation facilities, particularly PETRA III at DESY. Biological and materials science samples often exhibit hierarchical structures that determine their function. However, scanning an entire sample volume at the highest spatial resolution is not feasible. Therefore, we need an imaging scheme that captures relevant features at different length scales and integrates them into a single reconstruction volume.

This PhD project focuses on learning-based phase retrieval in the weak holographic regime, bridging the gap between micro- and nano-tomography. While propagation-based phase-contrast imaging enhances visualization of soft tissues and weakly attenuating samples, phase retrieval in this regime remains challenging, limiting multiscale imaging approaches in near-field holotomography. To address this, the PhD project combines machine learning, high-performance computing, and synchrotron-radiation experiments. The goal is to explore physics-informed self-supervised learning approaches (e.g., deep image priors, GANs) and iterative methods, combined with multi-scale tomography and local adaptive reconstruction to overcome these challenges.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineApril 23, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• a cutting-edge research environment at PETRA III imaging beamlines
• collaboration with leading institutions in imaging, mathematics, and data science
• access to high-performance computing (HPC) resources and advanced experimental setups
• an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• 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 social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 13 according to TV EntgO Bund
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• very good compatibility of private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
• free assistance program for employees (EAP)
• corporate benefits

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.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field
• strong analytical skills and solid theoretical background
• experience in machine/?deep learning and image processing/?tomography
• advanced programming skills in Python
• excellent command of English (written and spoken)

Assets:

• team-oriented mindset with strong communication and organizational skills
• experience with HPC clusters, parallel or distributed computing
• German language skills

Application Documents

• Cover letter
• CV
• Letter of reference
• Relevant certificates and transcripts [including grades]

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Submit your comprehensive application documents via the Application portal indicating the reference number 987 - 2026/WP 1.

For more information, kindly visit the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon webpage.