We offer an exciting PhD position at TU Delft on the junction of computational imaging, optics, image processing, and biomedical research. Apply now and contribute to a better reconstruction of complex fiber networks in the brain and other biological tissues.

The position is in the group of Dr. Miriam Menzel, at the Department of Imaging Physics. The group works on scattered light microscopy to visualize complex fiber networks. Your task will be to analyze measured scattering signals from different biological tissues, develop enhanced image processing tools to improve the reconstruction of underlying fiber structures, and inform the development of new measurement protocols. Possible projects include the automated classification of fiber types in histopathological tissues, or the estimation of structural sizes based on scattering measurements with different wavelengths.

Your main focus will be the development of software and analysis tools, but you will closely work together with the experimental team to further optimize the measurement procedure. If there is interest, you can test different experimental settings and perform tissue measurements yourself.

Computational Scattered Light Imaging (ComSLI) is a highly promising new imaging technique that resolves fiber pathways and their crossings with micrometer resolution. While other techniques require time-consuming raster-scanning of the sample, ComSLI yields scattering information for each image pixel in parallel and can be performed with a simple LED light source. The technique does not require any staining or labeling of the tissue, and reveals fiber organization in all kinds of biological samples (brain, muscle, tendon, bone), making it relevant for histopathology and clinical research.

The beginning of the PhD position would be the next possible date (preferably between May and October 2024).

Further information about the Menzel Lab and the research can be found on the website: https://menzellab.gitlab.io/.

The position is in the group of Dr. Miriam Menzel at the Department of Imaging Physics. The department develops novel instrumentation and imaging technologies. Research disciplines include Computational Imaging, Medical Imaging, Microscopy Instrumentation and Techniques, and Optics. The department has a long-lasting tradition in the development of new microscopy techniques and imaging algorithms. 

We are looking for a talented and driven PhD candidate who combines a strong background in programming and optical imaging. The ideal candidate should bring the following qualifications:

• Excellent grades and Master’s degree in Physics, Photonics, Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, Nanobiology, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Advanced programming skills in Python. Experience with git is helpful.
• Knowledge of optics, microscopy, and imaging systems.
• Knowledge of image processing and signal analysis.
• Interest in biomedical imaging and research.
• Ability to work independently and self-driven in a multidisciplinary and international team.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English, both in writing and speaking (requirement: either English-taught Master’s degree, TOEFL > 100, IELTS > 7, or native speaker).

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 1.5 year.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

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