Doctoral student in Physics towards Computational Entomological Lidar

Our division in the Enoch Thulin laboratory develops laser spectroscopic diagnostics techniques for industrial and environmental applications. In the biophotonic sensing group we are experts in light interaction with biological tissue and living organisms. Furthermore, we have a strong tradition of bringing realistic photonic instrumentation into real world scenarios, in particular we developed and investigated environmental applications of Scheimpflug lidar. We pioneered laser remote sensing of insects for more than a decade, both in terms of engineering field deployable sensors and also in terms of fundamental understanding of light interaction with free flying insects. Recent alarming reports of insect abundance- and diversity-declines calls for rapid diagnostic tools for timely intervention.

Work duties

The project aims to develop a rapid assessment method of insect abundance and species richness. The goal of the project is to develop and construct multiple weather-proof eye-safe entomological laser radars. The instruments will be deployed in distinct habitats and operated throughout seasons. The sensors will be based on short wave infrared light. Quantitative equivalent pathlengths of chitin, melanin and water in microns can be deduced from the insect echoes for the purpose of classifying free flying species. We hope to acquire close to one billion observations of free flying insects over two years and distinguish thousands of species. Diversity will be calculated by advanced clustering methods. Field observations can be assigned to major insect orders by developing oscillatory spectral scattering models for insect, and recording reference values from known species in laboratory

 Detailed description of work duties:

• Develop oscillatory-, spectral-, spherical- light scattering models for free flying insects and validate these through laboratory recordings of relevant insect species (ex-vivo and in-vivo).
• Develop robust data pipelines with frequency- and microscopic parametrization of insect lidar observations (in-situ).
• Develop and validate clustering methods for assessment of insect abundance and diversity in-situ.
• Use developed light-scattering models to assign observed lidar observations to major insect groups.
• Participate in the groups measurement campaigns and collaborate with group members and interdisciplinary colleagues with researchers in entomological ecology.
• Contribute to popular outreach.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Entry requirements

Admission 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 Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics, physics or an associated field such as optics, photonics, electronics, radar, acoustics, dynamic systems or computation.

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered for admission.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Relevant advanced courses on optics, biophotonics. spectroscopy, statistical signal- or image analysis.
• Experience on experimental optical instrumentation and measurement techniques.

Other assessment criteria

• Experience within biophotonics and spectroscopy, courses or projects.
• Experience on signal- or image analysis.
• Experience in mathematics, numerical analysis or statistics.
• Experience with radiation scattering and spherical analysis.
• Experience of lidar-, radar-, sonar-, accoustics- or antenna activities.
• Exprerience on scientific communation and reporting.
• Showcases of popular scientific outreach, articles, graphics, pod-casts or video.
• Interest in entomology and/or ecology.

Basis of assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and 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 admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications may be written in English and 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.).

Recommendation letter from supervisor documenting independent research activity such as MSc. thesis work or internship should be appended the application.

Most welcome to apply!