Join the ECLIPSE Lab
We welcome motivated students and researchers who want to work on computational imaging, inverse problems, and AI-enabled materials characterization.
Before applying, you may also want to read about how we work as a group — the kind of scientific culture we try to build matters to us.
If this sounds like your research direction, apply now.
Who should apply?
You are a strong fit if you have some of the following:
- Background in materials science, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields
- Experience in one or more of:
- Scientific programming (Python/Julia/Matlab/C++)
- Optimization, inverse problems, computational imaging, or signal processing
- Machine learning for scientific data
- Electron microscopy or diffraction data analysis
- Interest in rigorous, interdisciplinary research with real experimental relevance
Open pathways
Undergraduate students
The lab regularly hosts undergraduate students (primarily from Materials Science, and occasionally related departments) for thesis projects and research assistant roles.
Prospective graduate students
The FAU Materials Science Department grants doctoral degrees in Materials Science and Engineering. Doctoral degrees in Physics can be arranged via joint supervision.
Dr. Pelz advises graduate students in the Materials Science Department, especially in:
- computational imaging
- inverse problems
- computational methods in materials characterization
Prospective postdocs and staff
Postdoctoral fellowships and staff positions are opened as funding permits. Please also monitor the News page for current calls.
We also encourage and actively support applications for external funding, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships and the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship.
How to Apply Internationally
Q1: Can I apply if I am currently outside Germany?
Yes. We welcome applications from international candidates at all levels.
Q2: Which language is used in the lab?
Day-to-day research communication is typically in English.
Q3: What should international applicants include in addition to the standard application?
Please include your expected availability/start date, current location, and visa status (if known) together with the application package.
Q4: Are there funding routes for international postdocs?
Yes. We actively support applications to external fellowships, especially the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships and the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship.
Q5: Will the lab support proposal preparation?
Yes. For strong-fit candidates, we support proposal framing, scope alignment, and supervision planning.
Q6: Is prior electron microscopy experience mandatory?
Not always. Strong foundations in math, physics, computation, or inverse problems can also be an excellent fit.
Q7: What timeline should I expect if I apply from abroad?
Initial feedback is usually within 1–3 weeks, but final timelines can depend on fellowship, enrollment, and visa processes.
Q8: Who should I contact if I am unsure about fit before applying?
Use the contact page with a short summary of your background and interests, and we can advise on fit before full application.
Application
Please send one concise application email with the following:
- CV (max 2 pages preferred)
- Transcript(s) and degree status
- Short motivation statement (5–10 sentences):
- your research interests
- why ECLIPSE Lab
- what you want to work on
- Optional supporting material:
- GitHub/portfolio
- preprints/publications
- code or project samples
Selection timeline
- Acknowledgement: within ~1 week
- Initial evaluation: 1–3 weeks
- Interview / technical discussion (if shortlisted): typically within 2–5 weeks
- Final decision: timing depends on position type and funding cycle
Contact
For applications and position-related inquiries:
- Contact Dr. Pelz
- Or email with subject line:
Application – [Your Name] – [Level: UG/PhD/Postdoc]