PostDoc - Joint Postdoctoral Position in Biophysics – Bioimage Analysis / AI / Neuroscience (Open)

We are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher to work at the interface of bioimage analysis, tissue biomechanics, and neuroscience, as part of the IKUR-funded ExcellGel project: “Optimising hydrogel composition for research on the brain extracellular space”.

🧪 What the project is about​:

ExcellGel is a multidisciplinary project combining biophysical approaches, AI-based microscopy image analysis, and experimental neuroscience. We are interested in understanding the biophysical regulation of the brain using Drosophila and organoids as models, and how hydrogels can be optimized to modulate the biomechanical environment of the brain.

🧠 What you’ll do​:

Depending on your profile, your focus will be on developing and applying advanced methodologies either in experimental characterization of the biomechanics of the brain during development or regeneration and/or in the development of bioimage analysis workflows to characterize brain structure and hydrogel biophysics across multiple model systems (Drosophila, brain organoids, mouse brain slices, etc.). This can involve:

• ​ Deep learning-based image segmentation, tracking, and quantitative analysis of microscopy data.​
• Biophysical approaches using live 4D high resolution microscopy, AFM, magnetic tweezers, and modeling and analysis of tissue mechanics .​ 
• Support and integration with in vitro and in vivo experiments, in close contact with imaging and wet lab teams.

🛠 Your background (flexible; we welcome diverse profiles):

• A PhD in Physics, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related fields.​ 
• Solid experience in microscopy techniques and image analysis, preferably of biological systems.
• Familiarity with AI/ML or physical modeling tools (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, or finite-element modeling) is a plus.​
• Good coding skills (Python, MATLAB, etc.) and scientific communication.​

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2025/07/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

his position is a joint effort between the labs of Ignacio Arganda-Carreras (DIPC), Jerome Solon (Biofisika Institute), and Ion Andreu (Biofisika Institute) will be primarily based in San Sebastián (Spain), with close collaboration between both institutions.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2025/23
• Application deadline: 2025/06/02
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (40%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (40%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.