Research associate (f/m/d) - Scientific position in SMART-Morph Project - Robotics

Scientific position in SMART-Morph Project – Robotics

Tomography is an important 3D imaging technique with applications in various research and industrial fields. At synchrotrons, it is possible to do high resolution X-ray tomographic scans in a couple of seconds, which in principle enables scanning of thousands of samples per week, amounting up to 100 TB of raw data. In order to scan such large series of samples on a regular basis, automation of the sample preparation, measurement and quality assurance are needed. We are looking for a person with experience in robotics who will develop robotized solutions for placement of individual samples into containers; container labeling procedure and grouping of containers into container trays. These steps will be done in the sample-preparation lab and the trays will be then transported near the tomographic stage. Here, your task will be to realize a robotized solution for placement of the individual samples onto the tomographic stage and back to the tray. This, together with smart data acquisition pipelines with quality assurance will enable a so-called Serial Computed Micro-Tomography (SμCT) and consequently allow us to conduct large-scale 3D comparative studies, important for numerous biological and material research applications.

Research associate
(f/m/d, TV-L E13, 100 %)

Your tasks to achieve the above goals are:

• specification of suitable sample containers and a solution for sample placement into the containers;
• development of a physical labelling procedure of sample containers (e.g. QR codes);
• solution for grouping containers into trays;
• specification and deployment of sample exchange robots for sample grabbing, placement and its removal from the tomographic stage;
• programming and integration of all robotic software components into the experiment control system.

Your profile Qualifications:

• Master in robotics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering or similar.

Required skills:

• Experience with robotized solutions for batch processing of sample series
• Python programming and image processing experience are a plus

What we offer

• You work in a highly interdisciplinary team with a clear mission
• The possibility of doing a PhD
• An inspirational, enthusiastic and supportive research team of people from various institutes
• A nationally and internationally well-connected research group with a good team spirit
• Training programs to support your first steps as an early career scientist
• Respectful supervision and guidance with many ways for direct interactions and prompt feedback
• A family-friendly and all-welcoming atmosphere with flexible working hours

Employment and compensation information

• Job location – KIT Campus Nord, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen
• Contract duration – Until 30^th of September 2025
• Compensation and working hours – EG TV-L 13 (100 %) for 39.5 h
• Employment at the cooperation partner – Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS) at KIT

Contact Details Please submit your application to kombiotaoffice@uni-hohenheim.de (including a motivation letter, curriculum vitae and certificates) until 15^th of June, 2023. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. You can address questions on the topic to Dr. Tomáš Faragó (tomas.farago@kit.edu), Prof. Dr. Lars Krogmann (lars.krogmann@smns-bw.de) or Prof. Dr. Tilo Baumbach (tilo.baumbach@kit.edu). For all questions on the process of recruitment, please contact Dr. Ann-Catrin Fender (anncatrin.fender@uni-hohenheim.de). At the University of Hohenheim, we promote diversity among our employees. We have set ourselves the goal of recruiting more female scientists and employing more people with an international background, as well as people with disabilities. We are therefore particularly pleased to receive applications from such people. Regardless, we welcome any good application. Women who apply will be given preferential consideration in areas in which they are underrepresented, provided they have the same aptitude, qualifications and professional performance. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given priority. As a certified family-friendly university, we support the compatibility of work and family, and of professional and private life in general, through various flexible modules.