Optical nanoscopy is a super-resolution microscopy technique to study subcellular structures and function via specifically targeted fluorescent labels in molecular biology. Localisation microscopy in particular offers a much better resolution (~10-50 nm) than conventional diffraction limited microscopy (~250 nm). This project aims at shifting the resolution obtainable in an optical light microscope even further towards 1 nm.

The researcher will work in a team of experimentalists and theorists who share the common goal to imaging at the nanometer scale. We aim to develop novel data-driven super-resolution reconstruction schemes by employing prior knowledge. The main objective is to reconstruct super-resolution images from incomplete data, to estimate underlying structures, to include uncertainties and symmetry restraints in the processing, to include the underlying photo-physical process in the analysis and to combine information from many chemically identical structures into one higher resolution reconstruction. This will allow to reconstruct an image which much sharper detail than present in each single image alone.

The candidate must hold a MSc. degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering with a strong background in modeling or simulation. Excellent analytical skills are essential, familiarity with group theory is expected. Experience with numerical simulations and a good programming skills are expected. Experience in the fields of image processing, light microscopy or optics is beneficial.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The position is in the Department of Imaging Physics (www.imphys.tudelft.nl). This department performs cutting-edge research spanning the range from understanding the basic principles underlying imaging technology to automated image analysis.    
  
The Ph.D. student will work under the guidance of Bernd Rieger and Sjoerd Stallinga who are leading a prominent international research activity in the field of optical nanoscopy. They focus especially on computational microscopy that is the intersection between the fundamentals and engineering of optical imaging systems and image processing algorithms.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences