Doctoral student in Physics-advanced 3D imaging of Brain samples - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Combustion Physics is well-established and internationally recognized for its excellence in development and applications of laser-based methods for characterization of combustion processes. In recent years this research has been extended to other high-temperature gas-phase processes. In addition, the division has strong research on development of mechanisms describing the complex chemical kinetics of combustion. The research is conducted together with partners at other departments within the Faculty of Engineering as well as at other academia and in industry, both nationally and internationally. The current research facility, the Enoch Thulin Laboratory at the Department of Physics, was inaugurated in 2001 and currently hosts around 50 researchers. http://www.forbrf.lth.se/english/

Job assignment
The highly scattering nature of medical tissues strongly limits visualizing their inner structures by means of visible light. The recent application of a key-technology known as “tissue clearing” makes it now possible for the visible light to fully propagate through the otherwise highly turbid tissue piece such as brain samples. This breakthrough has opened up for the possibility to excite various fluorescent molecular markers over whole brains allowing 3D imaging of its structure. However, for tissue/organs of large dimensions and/or with a large amount of fat - as is the case in human brains - the clearing process will not be sufficient and scattering effects and artefacts will still be observed.

Thus, despite advances in clearing technology, further progress in brain imaging will not be achievable without the development and use of appropriate optical tools capable of correcting for a number of artifacts such as: image blurs, multiple light scattering effects, illumination inhomogeneity and light attenuation phenomena.

The work will consist in designing, constructing and testing a unique planar structured light sheet macro- & micro- optical instrument to perform true 3D reconstructions of semi-transparent brain samples. The project will be in connection with the research activities at the BRAINS unit located at the Medical Faculty, in Lund University.

The main task for the doctoral student will be to conduct research education which includes work with research but also to master graduate courses.

Entry requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Combustion Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 credits of relevance to the subject, including at least 15 second-cycle credits, and a second-cycle degree project of at least 15 credits of relevance to the field, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Additional requirements
Good knowledge in spoken and written English.

Basis of assessment
Selection to doctoral studies is based on the expected ability to perform well and profit from the studies. The assessment of the ability to perform well is based primarily on academic results from first- and second-cycle studies, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics or other relevant subject, for example combustion engineering. This can be documented by appended documents.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. This ability can be established, for example, based on undergraduate research experiences, a Master's thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a possible interview.
3. Skills in written and oral communication.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.                                                                                                                         

Other assessment criteria  

• Very good knowledge in Matlab programming.
• Knowledge in Medical Optics.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third-cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to a PhD position. A PhD position is an employment with the main duty to be engaged in PhD studies according to the study plan. The duration of PhD studies is 4 years’ full-time studies. In addition, teaching and other institutional duties normally occur at a level of at most 20% of full time. The position is then extended correspondingly, however not longer than corresponding to 5 years’ full-time employment. PhD positions are subject to special regulations. These can be found in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Application procedure
Apply for the position via the link at the bottom of the vacancy notice. Applications must be written in English. The application must include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

You are requested to also reply to the questions that constitute the first step in the application procedure.

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.