PhD position: Non-linear Raman imaging
Supervisor Dr. Andreas Zumbusch
University of Konstanz, Chemistry Department, Germany
Job Description
The Chemistry Department of the University of Konstanz offers a PhD position as an Early Stage Researcher within the EU Horizon2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Networks H2020-MSCA-ITN-2018 “MUSIQ: Multiphoton Microscopy and Ultrafast Spectroscopy: Imaging meets Quantum” European Training Network (ETN). The successful candidates will be expected to conduct research under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Andreas Zumbusch at the University of Konstanz with the aim of obtaining a PhD in Physics or Chemistry. The position will allow the student to participate in an exciting program comprising international schools, workshops, and secondments at academic as well as industrial partners.
Starting date: as soon as possible
Full time contract (39.5 hours/week) for 36 months (until September 2023 within MUSIQ, then with local funding)
The research project targets the development of workflows for the recording, processing, and analysis of coherent Raman imaging data. Within the project, Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy shall be established as a quantitative method for life science research and industrial chemistry environments. To this end, the candidate will establish workflows and software algorithms suited for the quantitative determination of local concentrations of specific compounds with high spatial resolution. Different samples with relevance for life sciences research and industrial applications will be evaluated. Applications could include, for example, the discrimination of cell types in multi-cellular model systems, the identification of pathological structures in tissue samples, or a determination of the chemical composition of pharmaceutical compounds.
The research activity will be performed within the framework of MUSIQ (https://www.musiq-etn.eu), an innovative ETN with the unique vision of developing the next-generation optical microscopy exploiting quantum coherent nonlinear phenomena. Through 15 ESR research projects, MUSIQ will establish an intersectoral training and research programme at the physics/chemistry/life science interface with partners from 9 European countries. MUSIQ ESRs will enroll on PhD degree programmes and be employed for 36 months in a beneficiary organisation. The consortium brings together a unique team of world-leading academic groups and industry, at the forefront of optical microscopy technology developments merged with fundamental understanding of ultrafast coherent light-matter interaction phenomena, development of quantitative image analysis tools, and biomedical/pharmaceutical real-world applications. MUSIQ aims at creating the next generation of skilled well-connected scientists that will pioneer the ‘quantum microscopes of tomorrow’.
Specific to MUSIQ, in addition to their individual scientific projects, all ESRs will benefit from further continuing education through a dedicated training program in the various fields of expertise of the consortium partners, which includes secondments, a variety of training modules, transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops, conferences and outreach activities.
Apart from the interaction within the research consortium, our department offers an outstanding and dynamic environment for PhD candidates, with an extensive seminar program and a doctoral school offering access to a broad variety of training opportunities. As part of the position, the successful candidate will be enrolled as a student for a PhD at the University of Konstanz.
Your profile
A masters degree in biology, chemistry, physics, bioinformatics, or a related field is A masters degree in chemistry, physics, bioinformatics, or a related field is required. The applicant should have a passion for innovative microscopy methods, and their applications in the life sciences or chemical industry, and a strong interest in the development of advanced image analysis procedures and algorithms. A working knowledge of at least one programming language, such as python, matlab, labview or c# and/or experience in non-linear optics would be advantageous.
Eligibility criteria
There are strict eligibility requirements within Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks. At the time of appointment, applicants:
- MUST at the date of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. ‘Date of Recruitment’ means the first day of the employment of the researcher (i.e. contract starting date). ‘Full-Time Equivalent Research Experience’ is measured from the date when the researcher obtained the degree entitling him/her to embark on a doctoral degree programme.
- MUST NOT have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention1 are not taken into account.
- English language: It is a requirement that network ESRs have an ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English to a level that is sufficiently high for them to derive full benefit from the network training.
Application Process
Please send your application materials until March 31st, 2022 to: Dr. Andreas Zumbusch ([email protected]). In addition, please send your CV with a Cover Letter to the Consortium Coordinator email: [email protected]. In the Cover Letter please provide a brief motivation as to why you wish to become an ESR within MUSIQ. All candidates should include a supporting statement to demonstrate how they meet all of the eligibility criteria, and that they possess the required skills and qualifications. Please be aware that your CV may be shared with the named beneficiaries within the consortium, as part of the application review process, to ensure an open, transparent and merit based recruitment. To read the full MUSIQ Data Privacy Notice, please see www.musiq-etn.eu/musiq-data-privacy-notice
The University of Konstanz is an equal opportunity employer and applications by women and minorities are especially encouraged.