PHD POSITION ON ‘THZ SPECTROSCOPY AND IMAGING OF AGRO-FOOD PRODUCTS’

(ref. BAP-2019-575)

The MeBioS group performs groundbreaking research on innovative sensor technologies and the associated data analysis methods to understand and control the quality of products and ongoing processes. The research on sensors mainly focusses on optical sensor systems (spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, thermography, smart cameras,…). While the data research involves the optimal design of experiments, chemometrics, process monitoring and control, as well as artificial intelligence and deep learning. Terahertz spectroscopy and imaging will be a new branch of research, uncovering another part of the electromagnetic spectrum, opening up lots of new research opportunities and possible applications.

Project

The Terahertz part of the electromagnetic spectrum involves waves with wavelengths between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. Its longer wavelengths allow to penetrate through thin layers, thus unveiling information of in-depth structures. In addition, opposed to X-ray imaging, THz waves are not ionizing which is of interest when imaging tissues in vivo. In the Biophotonics research group, the research currently focuses on the visible (Vis) and (near) infrared (IR) part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Nevertheless, several applications could benefit from extending this range, especially for the visualization of hidden structures. In addition, the investigation of the molecular structure of the investigated samples in this wavelength range can be of high interest. Therefore, an advanced THz spectroscopy setup has recently been acquired.

The focus of this research project will be the exploration of THz spectroscopy and imaging for applications in agricultural and food products. Mostly dried samples can be of interest for THz spectroscopy, as a downside of THz waves is the high absorption by water.

Profile

To perform this research, the MeBioS Biophotonics group is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate. Do you hold a master in (bioscience) engineering, materials science or physics? Do you have a creative, critical, analytical and innovative mindset? Do you have excellent oral and written communication skills in English? Then you may be the perfect candidate to join our team.  Experience with modelling techniques or optical measurement techniques is a plus.

Offer

• We offer afull-time PhD position for 1 year. After positive evaluation, the contract can be extended to 4 years.  
• Excellent guidance by our young, dynamic and multidisciplinary team
• State of the art research infrastructure.
• A challenging job in a young, dynamic environment.
• High level scientific training at a top-ranked university.
• Being part of a world-class research group.
• Remuneration according to the KU Leuven salary scales (https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd-info)

Interested?

For more information please contact Mr. Robbe Van Beers, tel.: +32 16 37 71 32, mail: robbe.vanbeers@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Wouter Saeys, tel.: +32 16 32 85 27, mail: wouter.saeys@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than October 06, 2019 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.