Postdoctoral position in 3D/4D X-ray microtomography image segmentation through machine learning

Description of the workplace

The Division of Solid Mechanics was the first department established at LTH and is now part of the Department of Construction Sciences. The division operates in an international environment and has connections with research organizations and companies both nationally and internationally. Today, the Division of Solid Mechanics consists of approximately 25 employees, of which around 15 are PhD students. The work environment is open and welcoming, striving to provide each employee with the opportunity to develop personally and professionally.

The field of solid mechanics relates to methods and principles aimed at understanding and modelling the mechanics of deformable bodies. Solid mechanics is a core discipline in mechanical engineering and is of fundamental importance to many other related disciplines. The questions addressed in solid mechanics have high relevance for industrial applications in many sectors. 

Research in solid mechanics at LTH is specifically focused on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructural mechanics, structural optimization, and experimental methods. The department also has strong activity in X-ray and neutron methods for materials research.

Project description

The postdoctoral project is focused on development and the exploitation of machine learning tools to accelerate the analysis of microtomography data at the MAXIV synchrotron facility. MAXIV synchrotron facility (www.maxiv.lu.se)  currently has three beamlines offering X-ray microtomography. The postdoctoral position is funded by the Swedish Research funding agency, Vinnova, and is a collaboration between the Division of Solid Mechanics at Lund University, MAXIV and RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) plus industrial partners, Tetra Pak and Billerud. 

You will carry out research and development activities relating to 3D/4D X-ray micro-tomography image quantification using machine learning tools. The employment will be at the Department of Solid Mechanics at Lund University and the work will be carried out in collaboration with all the project partners. You will work with X-ray tomography experts at the Division of Solid Mechanics and MAXIV plus machine learning experts at RISE to develop state-of-the-art semantic and instance segmentation algorithms for 3D and 4D microtomography data. The project has a particular focus towards analysing fibre-based materials but will also consider other material classes such as porous and granular materials.

Work duties

The main duties in a post-doctoral position involve conducting 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 independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The position will primarily involve research to develop machine learning tools for semantic/instance segmentation of X-ray microtomography data from the MAXIV synchrotron to understand material structures (3D) and their evolution (4D), particularly for fibre-based materials but also porous and granular materials. You will be part of a dynamic, international team involved in experimental mechanics and 3D imaging at the division of Solid Mechanics. You will also be part of the strong international research environment at MAXIV and will work closely with users of the facility helping them analyse their data.

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 before the last day for application. Under special circumstances the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Other requirements:

• very good knowledge of English, in speech and writing;
• significant practical experience in 3D image analysis or computer vision;
• knowledge and experience in scientific programming (python (preferred), Matlab or other relevant language) with application to image analysis or computer vision;
• ability to work both independently and in teams with other researchers and research groups;
• very good communication skills.

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:

• ability to develop and carry out research of good quality;
• pedagogical ability.

Other qualifications:

The following aspects will be considered as additional merits:

• experience in developing image analysis or computer vision algorithms;
• experience in 3D/4D (X-ray tomography) image processing;
• experience in machine-/deep-learning based image analysis;
• knowledge of tomographic reconstruction methods;
• experience in materials research exploiting X-ray microtomography;
• experience in education/teaching;
• experience in developing external collaborations and collaborative work.

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

We offer

Lund University is a public authority, which means that employees get special 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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. 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”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should be written in English and must include a CV with a list of publications, 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.)”

We welcome your application!