Postdoctoral position in hyperspectral lidar analysis of the biosphere

Description of the workplace

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 and its hyperspectral variety. Our methods have applications within profiling pollination services, biodiversity in both forests and marine environment and pest surveillance in aquafarming. Our group will comprise a handful of PhD candidates, and several researchers and MSc students and also a broad interdisciplinary network of collaborators at other departments and institutes. More information about our group is available at www.mbrydegaard.com

Subject description

The project aims to develop elastic and inelastic hyperspectral lidars for biological targets in marine, forest and aerospace environments. The goal of the project is to develop and demonstrate hyperspectral lidar applications to monitor biotargets such as pollen, lichen, zooplankton and disease vectors. In particular relating spectral characteristics of micro and nanofeatures on the targets and validating this through conventional methods such as electron microscopy. Field observational data constitute high volumes and require data reduction and development of data pipelines. The highly dimensional data will be treated and analyzed by advanced clustering algorithms.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Deputy group leader of the biophotonic sensing group.
• Research within laser remote sensing of the biosphere including animal-, plant- and fungi- kingdoms.
• Supervision of interns, BSc-, MSc- and PhD- student.
• Collaboration with other researchers in our group and at other faculties and institutes.
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Optical and mechanical design, raytracing, CAD and 3D printing.
• Multivariate calibration of hyperspectral instrumentation.
• Planning and conducting lidar field campaigns in Scandinavia.
• Hyperspectral lidar data analysis and visualization.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above such as experiment risk assessment analysis and permits for work in protected areas and from aviation authorities.
• Popular outreach and contributions to the groups website and video channel.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Knowledge within laser remote sensing of biological targets and light interaction with these.
• Documented experience of biophotonics.
• Documented experience of laser remote sensing.
• Documented experience of hyperspectral imaging.
• Independence, responsibility and organizational skills.
• Social skills for interaction and collaboration across seniority and disciplines.
• Drivers license.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

• Experience with the Scheimpflug lidar method and its hyperspectral variety.
• Experience entomological ecology.
• Experience with associating optical spectral features with micro- and nanostructures in biotargets.
• Experience developing data pipelines and advanced clustering methods.
• Portfolio of scientific visualizations or graphics.
• Flexibility, creativity, solution oriented and supportive of other group members.
• Intrinsic curiosity for exploring nature and technology and contributing new solutions for the society and environment.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years from 1st October 2025 to 31st September 2027. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link To apply for academic positions at LTH. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system (including your PhD certificate).

Alternatively

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”

Welcome to apply!