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Departement: Departement Fysica
Regime Voltijds
Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
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The AXIS research group at the Faculty of Science (University of Antwerp) is seeking to fill one full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the area of “Unmixing of Microscopic X-ray and Electron Diffraction Datasets” under the supervision of Prof Koen Janssens together with Prof. Jo Verbeeck and Prof. Joke Hadermann of the EMAT Research group of the University of Antwerp. This activity is part of a collaborative project called “AutomatED”, funded by the Flemish government.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) is one of the “gold standard” methods of structural analysis of solid materials. Next to determination of the crystal structure of, e.g. newly synthesized, compounds, it also allows for quantitative analysis of mixtures of (known) crystalline phases. Novel variants of XRD make use of intensity micro-/nanobeams of synchrotron radiation, permitting phase analysis and mapping of strongly heterogeneous systems in 2D/3D. In the last decade, similar methods that make use of electron nanobeams has been developed, allowing e.g. serial crystallography of individual nanoparticles or nanoscale phase mapping. Efficient single-electron detecting cameras are exploited for this purpose in SEM and TEM instruments, to collect electron diffraction (ED) data. The role of the PhD student is to develop and apply novel procedures for data reduction and quantitative unmixing of both X-ray and electron diffraction data, employing classical multivariate statistical approaches and/or machine learning. The specific job description can be found below.
Topic
You will develop and apply novel procedures for data reduction and quantitative unmixing of both X-ray and electron diffraction data obtained from pure and heterogeneous, mostly inorganic, materials.
In an initial phase, you will employ classical multivariate approaches such as single value decomposition, non-negative matrix factor analysis and various types of cluster analysis to explore and reduce the dimensionality of experimentally collected X-ray and electron diffraction data. Some procedures suitable for processing of hyperspectral imaging data blocks will be relevant as well.
You will investigate the possibilities of applying machine learning methods, as potentially more robust alternatives to classical pattern recognition methods. By training convolutional neural networks with already analyzed or simulated diffraction data, we expect to be able to perform phase detection and abundance estimation in unknown datasets with increased robustness.
You will closely collaborate with PhD students and postdocs that are responsible for the experimental acquisition of the diffraction data.
You will combine the novel data processing procedures with in situ investigations using different dedicated diffraction setups, employing e.g. mobile X-ray equipment, at synchrotron setups and in electron microscopes equipped with appropriate sample holders.
You will apply these methods to track changes in the phase composition of materials of interest over time under operando conditions, e.g. when these materials are interacting with light and/or reactive gases.
Research group
AXIS is a research group specializing in the use of X-ray beams for non-invasive imaging analysis of materials at different length scale. Next to constructing and employing self-constructed X-ray equipment of chemical mapping at the m-mm scale, we frequently employ intense synchrotron X-ray micro- and nanobeams for characterization of micro- and nano heterogeneous materials. This project is conducted in collaboration with EMAT, one of the leading electron microscopy centres in the world with a vast expertise in both fundamental and applied electron microscopy.
Position
- You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Sciences.
- You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
- You will present your work at national and international workshops and conferences.
Profile
- PhD position: You hold a Master’s degree with background in e.g. physics, applied physics, chemistry or materials science.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
- You are enthusiastic and greatly interested in electron microscopy.
- You can submit outstanding academic results.
- You are highly motivated, quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
- You have affinity with experimental work and show good practical skills
- You are greatly interested in the (quantitative) analysis and interpretation of chemical imaging data sets.
What we offer
- A doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another 3 years.
- An exciting project in which we will aim to go significantly beyond the state-of-the-art.
- The preferred start date is as soon as possible but will be adapted to the selected candidate’s availability.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
- You will have the opportunity to be immersed in a world-class, dynamic and stimulating work environment with state-of-the-art instrumentation and computing facilities.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including September 4th 2023 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter,
- your academic CV (including followed courses, honours, previous work, programming skills, publications, …)
- a weblink to a short video (1-2 min) introducing yourself,
- a list and grades of the courses from that you took during your studies (Bachelor and Master)
- contact info of 2 professional referees.
- The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Koen Janssens, koen.janssens@uantwerpen.be.
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
