PhD Student

Job description

Hard X-ray ptychography is one of the most advanced microscopy techniques to visualize materials in structures in 3D at a spatial resolution better than 100 nm. However, the technique is currently only available at synchrotron facilities, with very limited availability. In this project, we aim to bring hard X-ray ptychography to laboratory facilities. This project is an international collaboration between Ghent University, University College London (UK) and the Diamond Light Source (UK) and brings together different expertise and possibilities for experiments.

We are looking for an enthusiastic student keen on working on developing both hardware and software aspects of this novel technique. As a PhD student working on this project, you will set up experiments at different types of state-of-the-art X-ray sources and detectors, in different facilities (synchrotron and laboratory) and you will develop methods to improve the acquisition and processing/analysis of the data.

The selected candidate will be offered a 4-year employment, with an intermediate evaluation after the first year (1+3 years). The salary is competitive and will be determined by the university salary scales. In addition, staff members can count on several benefits, such as a broad range of training and educational opportunities, 36 days of vacation leave, bicycle allowance, and more. The finality of the position is to obtain a doctoral degree.

Job profile

To be eligible for a position as PhD student, you are required to hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in (Engineering) Physics or equivalent, or expect to obtain one by the end of 2024 at the latest.

We are looking for a highly creative and motivated PhD candidate with excellent computer science skills (python, git, linux, etc.) and strong analytical skills to critically assess the results and find ways to improve them. A successful candidate also has an experimental mindset, is able to adapt/adjust the activity plans based on the research outcome. Good communication skills are essential as well as proficiency in written and spoken English.

Given the international collaboration and expected experiments at various facilities, you should be willing and able to travel frequently during the project.

How to apply

Send your CV, transcripts of study results and a motivation letter to Matthieu.Boone@UGent.be and S.Cipiccia@UCL.ac.uk . The transcripts of study results at the time of application are not necessarily official (yet), but these will be required upon recruitment.

Please note that starting February 1st, there will be continuous evaluation of the candidates until the vacancy is filled. The application may therefore be closed before the deadline stated here.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Matthieu Boone (Matthieu.Boone@UGent.be, +32(0)9/264 6628)