PhD Fellow in Optics – Optical Tomography

18 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Department

Department of Physics and Technology

Research Field

Physics
Technology
Mathematics
Astronomy

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Norway

Application Deadline

28 May 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

37,5

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description
The position

A PhD position in optical tomography is available at the Department of Physics and Technology  within the Ultrasound, Microwaves and Optics research group  (UMO). The duration of the position is for 4 years, where 75 % of the position is linked to the Research Council of Norway (RCN) research project 5D-QUIP (development of a quantitative phase microscopy and tomography system), and 25% of the position is linked to teaching and related duties within the department.'

The objective of the position is to complete research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to the PhD program is a prerequisite for employment, and the program period starts on commencement of the position.

The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø. You must be able to start in the position within a reasonable time after receiving the offer.

The position’s field of research

The PhD student will be a part of the 5D-QUIP team, led by Dr. Azeem Ahmad, whose research focuses on advanced quantitative optical microscopy and tomography system development. He is the principal investigator of the RCN project.

In this project, we aim to develop a new quantitative microscopy method called 5DQUIP for imaging dynamic processes in thick samples such as engineered heart tissue (EHT). In collaboration with the Department of Clinical Medicine at UiT, this project will explore the feasibility and usefulness of 5D-QUIP in EHT research, with a focus on capturing the dynamic phenomena of heartbeats in EHT samples.

The PhD student will play a crucial role in various aspects of the project, including the development and advancement of reconstruction software for the optical tomography system. This involves not only the development of the reconstruction software itself but also the implementation and optimization of control software for the entire system. Furthermore, the candidate will be responsible for devising analysis routines tailored to handle the substantial datasets generated during experimentation. The PhD student will work towards his/her PhD degree with the following tasks:

• Develop novel algorithms and methodologies for 3D tomographic reconstruction and inverse scattering analysis.
• Performing optical tomography setup simulation and modeling each of its optical components utilizing optical system design software like Zemax, OSLO, etc.
• Characterization of 5D-QUIP optical tomography.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to draw meaningful conclusions and insights.
• Create procedural workflows for system control and develop image analysis routines using Python and Java.
• Benchmark the image quality, resolution, and penetration depth of the optical tomography system.
• Work closely with team members and researchers in the cardiovascular research group to conduct live cell and tissue imaging experiments aimed at furthering research goals.
• Disseminate the findings through publication in scientific journals and active participation in conferences.
• Complete teaching responsibilities equivalent to 25 % of the position in physics courses at bachelor’s and master’s level.

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Azeem Ahmad: 

• phone: +47 776 45140 
• email: [email protected]

Qualifications

This position requires a master’s degree or equivalent in physics, a background in optics/optical engineering/computational optics and an interest in bio-imaging.

If you are near completion of your master’s degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must document completion of your degree before commencement in the position. You must still submit your transcripts for the master’s degree with your application. The suitable candidate must have:

• Background in computational optics.
• Experience in optical tomographic reconstruction and inverse scattering analysis algorithms.
• Background in image analysis, and optics simulations.
• Experience in optical microscopy and tomography.
• Proficiency in the English language is essential, with the ability to function effectively in an international setting. English proficiency must be documented.  Nordic applicants can document their English capabilities by attaching their high school diploma.

A strong background in optical tomographic reconstruction and inverse scattering analysis algorithms would be an advantage, likewise any previous experience related to computational optics.

In the assessment, the emphasis is on the applicant's potential to complete a research education based on the master's thesis or equivalent, and any other scientific work. In addition, other experience of significance for the completion of the doctoral program may be given consideration.

We will also emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. We are looking for candidates who have:

• Independence and self-motivation.
• Creativity and ability to think innovatively.
• Excellent work ethics and commitment to the job, with a preference for candidates with international experience. 

As many people as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

Admission to the PhD programme 

For employment in the PhD position, you must be qualified for admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology   and participate in organized doctoral studies within the employment period.

Admission normally requires:

• A bachelor's degree of 180 ECTS and a master's degree, or an integrated master's degree.

UiT normally accepts higher education from countries that are part of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

In order to gain admission to the programme, the applicant must have a grade point average of C or better for the master’s degree and for relevant subjects of the bachelor’s degree. A more detailed description of admission requirements can be found here . 

Applicants with a foreign education will be subjected to an evaluation of whether the educational background is equal to Norwegian higher education, following national guidelines from NOKUT . Depending on which country the education is from, one or two additional years of university education may be required to fulfil admission requirements, e.g. a 4-year bachelor's degree and a 2-year master's degree. 

If you are employed in the position, you will be provisionally admitted to the PhD programme. Application for final admission must be submitted no later than two months after taking up the position. 

Inclusion and diversity

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is working actively to promote equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, and to create an inclusive and safe working environment. We believe that inclusion and diversity are a strength, and we want employees with different competencies, professional experience, life experience and perspectives.

If you have a disability, a gap in your CV or immigrant background, we encourage you to tick the box for this in your application. If there are qualified applicants, we invite at least one in each group for an interview. If you get the job, we will adapt the working conditions if you need it. Apart from selecting the right candidates, we will only use the information for anonymous statistics.

We offer

• Involvement in an interesting research project 
• Good career opportunities 
• A good academic environment with dedicated colleagues  
• Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement  
• Pension scheme through the state pension fund 
• PhD Fellows are normally given a salary of 532 200 NOK/year with a 3% yearly increase

Norwegian health policy aims to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their personal finances and where they live, has access to good health and care services of equal standard. As an employee you will become member of the National Insurance Scheme  which also include health care services.

More practical information about working and living in Norway can be found here: https://uit.no/staffmobility

Application 

Your application must include: 

• Cover letter explaining your motivation and research interests
• CV
• Diploma for bachelor's and master's degree
• Transcript of grades/academic record for bachelor's and master's degree
• Explanation of the grading system for foreign education (Diploma Supplement if available)
• Documentation of English proficiency
• References with contact information
• Master’s thesis, and any other academic works

Qualification with a master’s degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your master’s degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must still submit your transcript of grades for the master’s degree with your application.

All documentation to be considered must be in a Scandinavian language or English. Diplomas and transcripts must also be submitted in the original language, if not in English or Scandinavian. If English proficiency is not documented in the application, it must be documented before starting in the position. We only accept applications and documentation sent via Jobbnorge within the application deadline. 

General information 

The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants . 

Remuneration for the position of PhD Fellow is in accordance with the State salary scale code 1017. A compulsory contribution of 2 % to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted. You will become a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which gives you many benefits in addition to a lifelong pension: You may be entitled to financial support if you become ill or disabled, your family may be entitled to financial support when you die, you become insured against occupational injury or occupational disease, and you can get good terms on a mortgage. Read more about your employee benefits at: spk.no .

A shorter period of appointment may be decided when the PhD Fellow has already completed parts of their research training programme or when the appointment is based on a previous qualifying position PhD Fellow, research assistant, or the like in such a way that the total time used for research training amounts to three years. 

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act (Offentleglova). According to the Personal Data Act information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication, if you have requested non-disclosure. 

Eallju - Developing the High North

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a multi-campus comprehensive university at the international forefront. Our vision is to be a driving force for developing the High North. The Northern Sami notion eallju, which means eagerness to work, sets the tone for this motive power at UiT. Along with students, staff and the wider community, we aim to utilise our location in Northern Norway and Sápmi, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio and interdisciplinary advantage to shape the future.

Our social mission is to provide research-based education of high quality, perform artistic development and carry out research of the highest international quality standards in the entire range from basic to applied. We will convey knowledge about disciplines and contribute to innovation. Our social mission unites UiT across various studies, research fields and large geographical distances. This demands good cooperation with trade and industry and civil society as well as with international partners. We will strengthen knowledge-based and sustainable development at a regional, national and international level.

Academic freedom and scientific and ethical principles form the basis for all UiT’s activities. Participation, co-determination, transparency and good processes will provide the decision-making basis we need to make wise and far-sighted priorities. Our students and staff will have the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential. Founded on academic integrity, we will be courageous, committed and generous in close contact with disciplines, people and contemporary developments.

We will demonstrate adaptability and seek good and purposeful utilisation of resources, so we are ready to meet the expectations and opportunities of the future. We will strengthen the quality and impact of our disciplines and core tasks through the following three strategic priority areas.

Requirements

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Technology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Mathematics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Astronomy

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Country

Norway

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/260690/phd-fellow-in-optics-opti…

Contact

City

Tromsø

Website

http://en.uit.no/om/art?p_document_id=343547&dim=179040

Street

Hansine Hansens veg 18

Postal Code

N-9019

STATUS: EXPIRED