Post-doctoral scientist with keen interest in deep learning for image reconstruction and recognition

Department: Department of Veterinary Sciences
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students; conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international, and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences and imec-Vision Lab at the Faculty of Sciences are seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy for a post-doctoral scientist with keen interest in deep learning for image reconstruction and recognition.

Job description

Within the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology (www.uantwerpen.be/en/rg/celw/), the research group of prof. Dr. W. De Vos (www.uantwerpen.be/cell-group/) investigates the cell biology of accelerated aging (e.g., Progeria) and age-related (e.g., Alzheimer) diseases. Recently, we have optimized technology, based on tissue clearing and light sheet microscopy, to stage tau pathology development in intact mouse brain (Detrez et al., Neurobiol Dis, 2019). We now intend to deploy similar technology to stage whole neuro-organoids under various conditions. To improve image quality and enable unbiased phenotyping, we will develop and exploit deep learning schemes, in collaboration with prof. Dr. J. Sijbers from imec-Vision lab (https://visielab.uantwerpen.be/), who is specialized in image reconstruction and analysis. Both groups are leading partners within the µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/muneuro/ ).

Together, we are looking for a positive and skilled colleague who is eager to take the lead in this new, multidisciplinary study that integrates cell biology, advanced microscopy, and deep learning. As the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology also runs the Microscopy Core Facility (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/celw/acam/), the successful applicant will have direct access to cutting-edge microscopy and data warehousing infrastructure.

Position

• You perform high-level research at the interface of cell biology, advanced microscopy and deep learning
• You help coordinate projects in the field of cellular imaging and/or high-dimensional image data analysis
• You contribute to attracting external funding
• You co-supervise PhD students and other team members next to which you will also contribute to small educational tasks (e.g., practical exercises)
• You will participate in the provision of academic services: you will represent the research group both internally and externally, help to coordinate service projects, and so on.

Profile

• You hold a doctoral degree in (Bio-)medical Sciences, Biochemistry, (Bio-)Physics, Bioscience Engineering, Veterinary Sciences or equivalent;
• Experience image analysis and deep / machine learning is a must
• Experience with organoids and/or light sheet microscopy is an asset
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English and express yourself in Dutch. 

What we offer

• We offer a full-time contract as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of 2 years.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• The planned start date is October 1st 2021, or as soon as possible after that date.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including September 1st , 2021 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on 'apply', complete the online application form and don’t forget to include the following document(s): (1) a motivation letter, (2) your academic CV
• The selection committee will review the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Winnok De Vos ([email protected] ; Tel: 0032.3.265.34.45) or see www.uantwerpen.be/cell-group

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.