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Academic Staff Member (f/m/d) – Computer Science, Mathematics
System Development for Large-Scale 3D Image Reconstruction and Analysis

The new MorphoSphere project develops an advanced data management architecture for distributed, smart, and interactive storage and analysis of series of large 3D tomographic datasets. It integrates large-scale imaging facilities (PETRA III at DESY, KIT Light Source), high-performance computing, data facilities at DESY, KIT and the University of Heidelberg, and scientific communities to optimize data transfer, processing, and visualization, thereby accelerating scientific discovery across diverse research domains.

Exponential growth of imaging data at large-scale imaging facilities, such as synchrotrons, has created major challenges in data handling, analysis, and accessibility. Traditional methods struggle to process petabyte-scale datasets efficiently, limiting researchers’ ability to extract meaningful insights from complex 3D imaging experiments. MorphoSphere addresses this challenge by merging distributed computing, data federation, and artificial intelligence to enable interactive, scalable, and intelligent analysis workflows. This approach reflects a broader shift in scientific research toward data-centric infrastructures that integrate high-performance computing with machine learning, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and open data practices across different scientific communities.

Organizational unit

Laboratorium für Applikationen der Synchrotronstrahlung (LAS)

Job description

You will develop a modular, flexible, and extensible system for large-scale 3D image processing (around 30 GB input data per data set, thousands of data sets per week). The system will create image processing pipelines in a graph-like manner and ensure that all available ressources (GPUs in a multi-GPU server and also multiple such servers) are used to efficiently execute it. It will be possible to use both classical image processing algorithms and machine learning-based methods as nodes in such a graph and to use the system from multiple programming languages (C, Python). You will also help implement the nodes, especially algorithms for 3D image reconstruction, including typical pre- and post-processing steps. You will optimize the system for different hardware platforms. Your work will enable scientists to rapidly design, modify, and execute complex image processing pipelines, making advanced image analysis more accessible and efficient.

Main Tasks

  • Develop and assemble a plugin-based system for large-scale image processing pipelines with cross-technology support (CPU, GPU, multi-node systems) and with focus on zero-copy data paths, efficient utilization of high-speed interconnects, and optimal scalability across multiple GPUs and GPU nodes
  • Integrate and implement image processing algorithms, particularly for 3D imaging.
  • Optimize system performance for computing infrastructures at partner institutions.
  • Implement high-level data processing pipelines creation in Python, a visual programming tool and integrate them into an online interactive platform

Starting date

ab sofort / as soon as possible

Personal qualification

PhD in computer science, mathematics, or related disciplines; alternatively masters in one of the named disciplines with 2+ years work experience. Required Skills: work experience with design/implementation of cross-technology systems (CPU, GPU, clusters) and parallel programming with CUDA/OpenCL; good proficiency in programming, particularly with C and Python, fluency with Linux; experience with image processing, machine learning, networking technologies is a plus.

This is what we offer

Become a member of staff of the only German University of Excellence that conducts large-scale research on the national level. Work under excellent working conditions in an international environment and be active in research and academic education for our future. Benefit from specific training when starting your job and from a wide range of further qualification offers. Use our flexible working time models (flexitime, work from home), our sports and leisure offers, as well as our child and holiday care services. We also pay a share of EUR 25/month in the Job Ticket Baden-Württemberg. Enjoy a large variety of dishes, snacks, and beverages at our canteens.

Salary

Salary category 13 TV-L, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements.

Contract duration

3 years

Application up to

03.04.2026

Contact person in line-management

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Tilo Baumbach, Email: tilo.baumbach@kit.edu.

Please apply online using the button below for this vacancy number 107/2026.

Vacancy number: 107/2026

We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job. Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.

Contact

Personnel Support is provided by:
Personalservice (PSE) - Human Resources
Ms Kaiser
Phone: +49 721 608-22438,

Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS)

 

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