Machine Learning Engineer – Language Models and Agentic AI for Scientific Imaging

Reference number: 2026-0142

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Medical Image Computing / Applied Computer Vision Lab

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and search for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

As a core partner in Helmholtz Imaging (HI), the German Cancer Research Center is committed to advancing imaging science and technology across all scales, modalities, and scientific domains together with the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC, Berlin), the Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ, Leipzig), and the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY, Hamburg). By fostering collaboration between methodological experts and domain scientists, HI develops innovative AI-powered solutions, reusable software tools, and community resources that accelerate scientific discovery throughout the Helmholtz Association.

Within HI, the Applied Computer Vision Lab (ACVL) at DKFZ develops state-of-the-art methods for image analysis and machine learning, supports researchers in the development of custom AI-powered solutions, and promotes robust evaluation and benchmarking practices for imaging algorithms. As an engineering and support unit, ACVL plays a central role in translating advances in artificial intelligence into practical tools and workflows that can be applied across scientific disciplines.

To strengthen our team, we are seeking, starting at the earliest date possible, a

Your Tasks

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join an interdisciplinary team at the interface of natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, and scientific imaging. Your work will focus on bringing modern foundation model technologies into imaging workflows and developing AI systems that make advanced image analysis methods more accessible to researchers.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing and evaluating AI systems based on Large Language Models (LLMs), Vision-Language Models (VLMs), and multimodal foundation models
• Designing agentic workflows that automate complex image analysis tasks
• Building systems that can autonomously select, configure, and execute image analysis tools and pipelines
• Integrating state-of-the-art computer vision frameworks like foundation models into AI-assisted workflows
• Collaborating with and supporting researchers across the Helmholtz Association to identify high-impact use cases and develop tailored solutions
• Developing sustainable open-source software and reusable tools for the Helmholtz community
• Staying at the forefront of developments in foundation models, agentic AI, and scientific machine learning

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative researcher or engineer with a strong interest in both computer vision and modern AI systems.

You should have:

• A master's degree or PhD in computer science, data science, physics, mathematics, or a related discipline
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch
• Experience in computer vision and deep learning
• Hands-on experience with Large Language Models (LLMs), Vision-Language Models (VLMs), multimodal foundation models, or agentic AI systems
• Experience with model evaluation, benchmarking, and experimental design
• Familiarity with open-source software development and software engineering best practices
• Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration

What makes this position special: 

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of AI, foundation models, and scientific imaging
• Close integration with HI and the Helmholtz Foundation Model Initiative
• Collaboration with leading researchers across multiple scientific domains
• Access to cutting-edge compute infrastructure and large-scale AI resources

We Offer

Are you interested?

 Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

 ​Duration: The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: July 24, 2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.

Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

 

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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