Muon Tomography Engineer (Hybrid) - #2764720

Join a pioneering deep-tech team developing safe, rapid, and accurate active muon imaging solutions tailored for industrial quality assessment, security and customs inspection, and advanced medical diagnostics. Operating at the intersection of advanced particle physics, cutting-edge AI, and next-generation particle detectors, our platform delivers high-resolution 3D imaging with automated decision-making.

In this role, you will be the driving force behind how raw particle track data is transformed into precise 3D density reconstructions. Working in a fast-paced environment with access to multi-GeV beamlines and collaborative partnerships across the energy, defense, aerospace, and security industries, your work will directly empower critical pass/fail quality control assessments for high-stakes metallic and ceramic components—ranging from rocket engines and gas turbines to nuclear and industrial systems.

Key Responsibilities & Core Tasks

• End-to-End Reconstruction Ownership: Take complete ownership of the pipeline that converts raw particle tracks into accurate 3D density maps, directly influencing the mission-critical decisions made by industrial clients.
• Algorithm Evolution: Advance reconstruction methodologies smoothly from foundational approaches like Point of Closest Approach (POCA) and Algebraic Scattering Reconstruction (ASR) to sophisticated likelihood-optimization frameworks.
• Grid Performance Optimization: Explore and deploy adaptive or multi-resolution reconstruction grids designed to strategically trade off resolution against memory constraints and processing speed.
• Advanced Uncertainty Modeling: Leverage the narrow energy bandwidth of the muon beam to compute rigorous, per-track error weights rather than relying on generalized global constants.
• Multi-Modal Data Fusion: Integrate external priors—such as high-resolution optical scans, computer vision data, and digital object geometry—directly into reconstructions as hard constraints to tighten the solution space.
• High-Flux Track Statistics: Develop robust statistical and algorithmic solutions to resolve track pile-up and hit-ambiguity issues in particle detectors operating under high-flux conditions where multiple particles register simultaneously.
• Production Software Delivery: Move far beyond temporary research scripts. Package and maintain standalone software tools featuring fixed, reliable input/output formats designed for long-term operational use.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partner closely with internal cross-functional teams and external research institutions across the globe to refine imaging capabilities and field-test solutions.
  
  
  

Requirements & Candidate Profile

• Educational Background: A Doctorate (PhD / Dr.) degree in physics, computer science, applied mathematics, or a closely related technical field is strictly required.
• Professional Experience: Minimum post-doctoral experience required, with a strong preference for candidates bringing a few years of dedicated post-doctoral research background.
• Technical & Scientific Must-Haves:
• Deep expertise in tomographic reconstruction, specifically having implemented POCA, ASR, or equivalent scattering-tomography algorithms, with the capability to pivot to likelihood optimization when point-based limits are reached.
• Proven experience with numerical performance optimization, including building adaptive or multi-resolution grids.
• Demonstrated skill in tracking-detector physics, including resolving particle hit ambiguities and high-flux pile-up.
• Hands-on experience with multi-modal data fusion and uncertainty modeling at the individual track level.
• Production software engineering capabilities, successfully transitioning research code into maintained, robust software packages.
  
• Language Proficiency: At least full professional proficiency in English (C1 level); proficiency in German or Estonian is considered a valuable bonus.
• Logistics & Availability:
• Available to start work by January 2027 or, at the latest, February 2027.
• Open to occasional international travel to collaborate at various global research facilities and partner labs.
• Willing to work in a hybrid setup based out of our primary research hub.
  
  
  

Personality & Working Culture

• Ownership & Drive: You prefer shipping complete, reliable tools over throwing together quick research scripts. You embrace accountability and treat outside parameters as definitive constraints.
• Curiosity & Rigor: When assumptions break, you find it fascinating rather than frustrating. You insist on validating and testing your models against real physical objects.
• Collaborative Spirit: You thrive in a compact, autonomous "skunkworks" team where titles matter less than clear thinking. You are comfortable debating ideas vigorously ("disagree together, commit together") and executing as a unified team.
  
  
  

Compensation & Benefits Package

• Base Salary: €60,000 to €80,000 per year, commensurate with background and expertise.
• Equity Program: A substantial employee equity package offering a meaningful stake in the company's financial and market success.
• Impact & Ownership: Complete autonomy within a fast-moving, high-impact team taking cutting-edge research prototypes to market-ready products within rapid iteration cycles.
• Access & Infrastructure: Direct engagement with multi-GeV beamlines and elite research networks spanning aerospace, energy, and deep tech.
• Relocation Support: Comprehensive international relocation assistance and full visa sponsorship support to ensure a seamless transition to Hamburg.