Are you a talented and ambitious researcher? Are you excited about optical fiber technology and neuroscience? Do you enjoy finding working solutions to great challenges?
A 3-year Ph.D. position is available in the Neural Devices and Gas Photonics Group at DTU Fotonik, Department of Photonics Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark. Our group is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate willing to work on a challenging scientific project in a serious but also friendly and team-work oriented environment in the fields of fiber optics, laser technology and photoacoustic microscopy. The position is partly funded by the Multi-BRAIN project from Lundbeck Foundation and DTU Fotonik. The final goal of the project is to develop a next-generation neuronal imaging system by combining photoacoustic imaging with gas-based lasers.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The overall focus of the project will be the development of a photoacoustic microscope aimed to be a novel system to obtain information about the neuronal activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. The source used for excitation of the photoacoustic signals will be a mid-infrared Raman laser based on gas-filled antiresonant hollow-core fibers. The samples used to characterize the system will range from artificial phantoms to real biological samples.
The applicant’s responsibilities will include:
- Developing and characterizing the laser source to be used as the central component of the microscopy setup;
- Designing, building and characterizing the photoacoustic microscopy system;
- Preparing and characterizing both the phantoms and real biological samples;
- Developing the Matlab code needed for signal post-processing and image reconstruction.
In completing these tasks, you will work side-by-side with colleagues having state-of-the art knowledge in Raman lasers, fiber technology, imaging and light-matter interaction in biological tissues.
Candidates should have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science or Engineering. They should also have:
- Documented experience with experimental fiber optics and lasers;
- Experience within the field of photoacoustic imaging;
- Good knowledge of Matlab coding and signal analysis;
- Basic knowledge of other imaging techniques;
- Basic knowledge of the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system;
- An excellent academic performance record from a good scientific institution.
Candidates are required to have excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken) and a proven ability to work independently, as well as to plan and carry out complicated tasks.
At the time of recruitment by the host organization, candidates must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers, and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.
Researchers can be of any nationality. They are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. Nationality is therefore not a criterion.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Christos Markos.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from the PhD main supervisor, Associate Professor Christos Markos, phone: +45 4525 6387, email: chmar@fotonik.dtu.dk or from the co-supervisor, Dr. Yazhou Wang, phone: +45 4525 5735, email: yazwang@fotonik.dtu.dk.
You can read more about the Department of Photonics Engineering at www.fotonik.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 November 2021 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- A brief description on the principle of photoacoustic microscopy and gas-based Raman lasers.
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here)
- List of publications (if any)
- Recommendation letters
You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Fotonik has 220 employees with competencies in optics and is one of the largest centers in the world based solely on research in photonics. Research is performed within optical sensors and devices, lasers, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, nano-optics and quantum photonics.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
Apply for this job
Apply no later than 15 November 2021
Apply for the job at DTU Fotonik by completing the following form.