Scientific Personel, Postdoc, Full time

Head of the AI Core Unit for the Cluster of Excellence BioSysteM

20.08.2026, Academic staff

We are seeking, as soon as possible, a junior research group leader (f/m/d) with expertise in data science and AI to establish and lead the AI Core Unit of the Cluster of Excellence BioSysteM. The position is situated at the Cluster of Excellence and is therefore tied to its duration. The position will be funded until December 31, 2032.

About us

The Cluster of Excellence BioSysteM is an international research network in which scientists from both Munich universities, the Helmholtz Zentrum München, and the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry collaborate across disciplines. Funded by the DFG, since January 1, 2026, as part of the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments, BioSysteM is administered by TUM. The aim of BioSysteM to learn how to design and control biological systems in a targeted manner.

Learn more about us at www.biosystem.design

An integral part of BioSysteM is the AI Core Unit, a cross-institutional support unit. This unit aims to make machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) accessible to the members of the Cluster of Excellence, as well as contribute to its development. The unit will establish central services that enable the efficient application of AI tools within the cluster. In addition to the head, this Core Unit comprises a small team of experienced research associates.

A key aspect of these efforts is the precise organization, harmonization, and exchange of research data, which will drive the application of ML approaches. Defining standards and databases for experimental protocols and digital workflows will be of critical importance, particularly for the establishment of a repository for validated lab protocols.

We are seeking a candidate for the role of Junior Research Group Leader of the AI Core Unit with a focus on data science and AI, to join us as soon as possible. 

Your Qualifications

·       PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field

·       Strong understanding of fundamental academic research in natural sciences

·       Ideally, basic understanding of biological topics relevant to BioSysteM (e.g., molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology)

·       Experience in applied data science, ML, and AI

·       Sound knowledge of scientific software development

·       Experience in conducting—and ideally leading—interdisciplinary projects and communication

·       Expertise in one (or both) of the following disciplines:

o   Scientific image data analysis (e.g., microscopy)

o   Computational protein design/engineering

Your Responsibilities                                                                                

The Head of the Core Unit is responsible for delegating tasks within the Core Unit, as well as supervising and supporting their execution:

•         Conducting mandatory introductory courses on AI for new researchers in the cluster, in collaboration with the Munich Data Science Institute (MDSI)

•         Delivering advanced, domain-specific AI training for BioSysteM researchers

•         Conducting lab visits to advise, discuss, and identify specific needs and opportunities for applying AI techniques across the various research groups

•         Collaborating closely with scientists in research areas to perform advanced AI analyses

•         Advising and supporting researchers with their programming tasks, carrying out scientific software development, and creating dedicated APIs

•         Developing and overseeing data harmonization within the cluster (in collaboration with the BioSysteM Data Stewards)

•         Networking researchers working on similar problems and bringing in external AI experts (via the AI Advisory Board and the MDSI)

Our Offer

We offer a full-time position as a research associate with the opportunity to lead a team of data scientists (domain specialists). This position is embedded in an excellent research environment and comes with outstanding, independently managed equipment and resources. The position is limited to the funding period. Remuneration is based on the collective agreement for the public service of the German federal states (TV-L).

TUM aims to increase the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified female candidates. The position is suitable for individuals with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance.

 Application 

If you are interested in joining our team, please send your application, including a comprehensive CV and a short cover letter in one single pdf by 4 Sept latest via e-mail to the following address: info@biosystem.design
Please use the following subject line: “Application for Head of AI Core Unit”

If you have any question regarding this job, please contact patrick.quoika@tum.de.

Kontakt: info@biosystem.design