We have an opening for a
PhD candidate on “Raman Sensing of Cell Differentiation”
Project description
The project addresses a challenge in the development of stem-cell based therapies and personalized medicine: fast and non-disruptive quality control of cell cultures. It has been shown that Raman spectroscopy is uniquely able to resolve various cell states with minimal impact on cell physiology. The drawback of classical Raman microscopy though is its low signal rendering data acquisition extremely slow. In this project Raman spectroscopy will be supplemented by a compressed-sensing scheme which alleviates this major disadvantage, ultimately permitting to use the technique even for high-throughput applications, such as drug screening.
You will develop a novel microscopy setup that optically implements a programmable compressed sensing scheme. Simultaneously you will develop a machine-learning platform to determine the optimal parameters of the optical elements. You will characterize the setup quantitatively and apply the methodology to a variety of cell models including immune cells and stem cells. In your endeavour you will be supported by a team of biophysicists with ample experience in imaging, from individual molecules to organoids, all in the context of cells and tissue. Our group is embedded in the Cell Observatory, whichn facilitates our collaborative research with groups from biology and drug development.
Key responsibilities
- Design, build, optimize and characterize the compressed-sensing Raman microscope;
- Realize a deep-learning platform for optimization of the compressed-sensing scheme;
- Publish academic papers and present your findings at academic conferences;
- Communicate closely with the team members and collaborators in biology;
- Assist with teaching and student supervision;
- Complete a PhD thesis within four years (1.0 FTE).
The PhD candidate will work closely together with the two PIs (prof T. Schmidt, www.schmidtlab.nl; and prof S. Semrau, www.semraulab.com) driving the project, and the other team members of the group. The candidate will carry responsibility for the research goals within the project.
Selection Criteria
- Research Master in Physics, Engineering or equivalent;
- Knowledge in optics and optical techniques is a plus;
- Excellent command of the English language, and excellent communication skills;
- Well-developed analytic and organisational skills;
- Excellent social skills in order to be able to work in a team of varied background.
Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to Thomas Schmidt (schmidt@physics.leidenuniv.nl), with ‘Application PhD’ in the subject line. Please ensure that you attach the following:
- A short motivation (max one page) on why you would like to join our group and about your research interests;
- A Curriculum Vitae, including information about the grades you had as an undergraduate;
- Contact details of a university teacher or previous/current supervisors who can be contacted for a reference.
Applications will be reviewed starting 1st of November until the position is filled. The starting date of the PhD program is at the beginning of 2024.
Download the full ad HERE.
