We are currently accepting applications for the above mentioned position. This is a unique opportunity for highly motivated students recently graduated from the University in Physics or related fields to gain research experience in one of DIPC’s high-profile research teams.

The role
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy allows for structural and chemical characterization of materials. This capability is particularly interesting for the label-free imaging of cell and tissue section, which finds application for digital pathology and has strong potential for clinical translation. However, the spatial resolution is limited by diffraction to the micrometer scale and thus insufficient to resolve the nanoscale heterogeneity of biological cell and tissue samples. To overcome this limit, IR nano-imaging and IR nano-spectroscopy techniques have been developed. Scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM), and its derivate, nano-Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy (nano-FTIR) are particularly promising methods for this purpose. This project aims at establishing s-SNOM/nano-FTIR for the ultrastructural characterization of cell and tissue sections. This topic is still widely unexplored, but highly relevant as it will allows us to monitor chemical changes inside the cell when disease occurs and help us to validate conventional IR spectroscopy for digital pathology.

The following activities are foreseen in this PhD project, which can be tailed to the interests of the PhD candidate:

Work with state-of-the-art IR nanospectroscopy equipment to obtain nano-IR spectra of cell cuts
Learn to use machine learning algorithms for data classification
Use modern optical solves to calculate IR (nano)spectroscopy and improve our understanding of the data
Write scientific articles and present your results at (inter)national conferences
Desired background & competences
The PhD candidate should hold an internationally recognized Master degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related field. The candidate should have a clear motivation and skill to perform experimental work. You should also be able to work independently, are a self-motivated and well organized person and able to work in a team. Experience in the following areas is welcome:

Knowledge in optics and nanooptics:

Experience with IR spectroscopy, Raman microscopy or similar
Data processing using Matlab, Python or similar
Basic knowledge of digital pathology and/or cell biology is welcome, too, but not required
A good level in written and spoken English is a mandatory prerequisite.