Position of Head of the Life Imaging Center (LIC) – the core facility for light microscopy

The Life Imaging Centre (https://miap.eu/miap-unit/life-imaging-center/) is a core research facility for light microscopy at the University of Freiburg, managed in partnership by CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies and the Faculty of Biology. LIC delivers advanced imaging services for life sciences and related fields as a central unit within the University’s research infrastructure. The position is based in the Faculty of Biology, with responsibilities for operational management and strategic development of the LIC. Own research activities are welcome and encouraged.

Responsibilities

The management role includes responsibility for the operation, organisation and further development of the Life Imaging Centre. Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee operational management of the LIC
  • Ensure smooth day-to-day operations
  • Coordinate and prioritise usage
  • Establish and enhance quality standards and service concepts
• Manage and coordinate staff
  • Guide and coordinate scientific and technical staff
  • Contribute to staff development and training initiatives
• Drive strategic development
  • Develop the LIC as a central light microscopy platform
  • Integrate new methods and technologies
  • Raise the LIC’s profile within the university, nationally, and internationally
• Support infrastructure and major equipment proposals
  • Participate scientifically and conceptually in proposals for infrastructure, major equipment, and equipment networks (e.g. DFG, SIBW, state or EU programmes)
  • Collaborate closely with the faculty, CIBSS, and central university structures
• Provide scientific advice and foster networking
  • Advise users from various disciplines
  • Support and collaborate in preparing scientific publications
  • Promote interdisciplinary cooperation and community building
• Course on microscopy techniques totaling 5 SWS 
• Optionally, seek independent third-party funding
  • Pursue third-party funding for scientific, methodological, or infrastructure-related projects of your own, if compatible with LIC management duties

Requirements

• Completed PhD in the life sciences, computer science, physics or related subject
• Proven scientific expertise in the field of advanced light microscopy and/or image analysis
• Experience in instructing and training users/staff
• Experience in managing complex research infrastructure or core facility structures, cost and budget planning, equipment procurement and maintenance, and quality assurance
• Excellent knowledge of current methodological developments in the field of imaging
• Experience in contributing to publications and/or grant applications
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills, as well as a strong user and service orientation
• Ability to think strategically and to collaborate across disciplines
• Excellent English and good German language skills

We offer

• A permanent position with significant scientific and strategic responsibility
• Extensive scope for shaping the further development of a core facility
• An excellent scientific environment with close links to CIBSS, the Faculty of Biology and other departments
• Support for professional and personal development
• Family-friendly working conditions and flexible working time arrangements within the scope of university possibilities

*Provided the relevant requirements under civil service law are met, appointment to a civil service position is envisaged. 

We request for the following application documents

• cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• list of publications
• relevant certificates
• contact details of two referees

The position is unlimited. The salary will be determined in accordance with LBesGBW bis A14. Die Vergütung erfolgt nach TV-L bis E14.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004989, by 6. September 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kleine-Vehn Faculty of Biology University of Freiburg Schänzlestr. 1 79104 Freiburg application@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kleine-Vehn on the phone number +49 761 203-2951 or E-Mail juergen.kleine-vehn@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.