The position

The Department of Physics and Technology wishes to hire a postdoc experienced in computational electromagnetic modeling and inverse imaging problems in connection with the recently announced FRIPRO FRINATEK Young Talent project ‘Label-free nanoscopy of living cells through nanoscale refractive index profiler (nanoRIP)’. The appointment is for 2 years. If you receive a personal overseas research grant from NFR, it is possible to apply NFR for an extension of the fellowship period corresponding to the length of the stay abroad (minimum three months, maximum 12 months).

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT – Developing the High North

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a multi-campus research university and the northernmost university of the world. Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. At UiT you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.

Credibility, academic freedom, closeness, creativity and commitment shall be hallmarks of the relationship between our employees, between our employees and our students and between UiT and our partners.

Revolutionizing Nanoscopy

The Department of Physics and Technology houses the optics group at the main campus of UiT. The optics group has experienced a great surge in research, thanks to a constant flow of Horizon2020 funding through ERC and MSCA-IF projects and funding from research council of Norway through diverse projects. This has lead to a thriving multi-national (currently representing 8 nations) and multi-disciplinary research group, currently comprising of 4 principal investigators, 7 post docs, 7 PhD candidates, several master students and a multi-million dollar research infrastructure. There is a constant flow of international visiting experts.

The group members represent various disciplines like optics, photonics, fabrication, biology, mathematics, sensing, microscopy, nanoscopy, chemistry, computer engineering, electronic instrumentation, etc. The group’s core research activity targets development of cutting-edge technologies in nano-photonics, optics-based climate sensing, microscopy, and optical and computational nanoscopy. There is an emphasis on gender equality, cultural integration, conducive work environment excellence through cooperation and co-enabling, and support of growth and ambition of everyone in the group.

The postdoctoral research fellow will be a part of 3d-nanoscopy team, led by Assoc. Prof. Krishna Agarwal, who works on super-resolution microscopy, also referred to as nanoscopy. She is also the principal investigator of the aforementioned FRIPRO project.

We offer an interesting project, scientific independence, great potential of growth, and fantastic work environment within the stunning landscape of Tromsø.

The project

The goal of the project is to develop a new label-free nanoscope comprising of a novel innovative optical instrument that measures scattered light and a novel inverse scattering approach designed for biological cells and sub-cellular organelles, which together provide nanoscopic resolution.

The novel inverse scattering solver is a key component of the project and the researcher will work on it with the following goals:

• Develop forward model corresponding to the novel optical microscope using computational electromagnetics and surrogate models.
• Develop non-linear inverse solver for the phaseless scattering light measurements using inverse imaging approaches custom designed for the problem
• Develop mechanisms of including problem/sample specific priors using knowledge of data sciences in the context of inverse imaging
• Participate in phd student activity on inverse scattering for nanoscopy
• Collaborate with postdoc on optical instrumentation and photonics on both ERC Starting grant project (3d-nanoMorph, PI: Agarwal) and FRIPRO project, and biologists to understand and model the relevant prior knowledge
• Disseminate the work through scientific journal publications and conference participation

The work is related to non-linear inverse electromagnetic scattering (but in the optical domain), phaseless measurements, 3D reconstruction of refractive index of cell organelles, half space background model, and potential stochasticity of medium or sample. A patent is being applied for the instrument and it is likely that the inverse scattering solver may be considered for patent as well. The project is likely to lead to commercialization research grants or technopreneurial start-up in the future.

Contact

For further information about the position and UiT contact Associate Professor Krishna Agarwal:

• phone: +47 776 45157
• email: krishna.agarwal@uit.no

Qualifications

The position requires a Norwegian doctoral degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering, or a corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree.

Other requirements include:

• Prior experience in non-linear inverse electromagnetic scattering solvers and inverse imaging problems
• Prior experience in computational modelling of the electromagnetic scattering of custom illuminations, measurements, and scatterers with constraints on geometry and refractive indices
• Excellent programming skills and expertise in Matlab, Python, Java or another popular scientific programming platforms
• Publication record illustrating first author publications on the topics of inverse problems and electromagnetic modeling in journals of mathematics, electromagnetics, or physics.
• Solid background in electromagnetism and inverse problems, and basic knowledge of optics
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English. Interest in Norwegian language and culture is welcome.

Prior experience of mentoring postgraduate students from dissimilar academic background, for example from pure physics or pure mathematics or electrical engineering is preferable, but not an acquirement.

It is expected that the candidate demonstrate:

• Self-motivation and independence
• Excellent work ethic and commitment to the job
• Inclination for overseas engagement

The assessment will emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. The candidate must be willing to engage in the ongoing development of label-free nanoscopy and the university as a whole.

Application

Your application must include:

• Application letter describing
  • why the candidate considers oneself suitable for the position
  • what motivates the candidate to apply for the position
  • what the candidate expects from this position
• CV, including list of previous projects
• Full list of publications. Also indicate which two publications the candidate considers the best output and why.
• Academic works, up to ten. The doctoral thesis is regarded as one work.
• Diplomas and transcripts
• List of at least 2 academic references

Having a PhD degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are in the process of completing your PhD, you must document that you have submitted your PhD thesis by the application deadline. You should also attach a statement from your supervisor.

Documentation has to be in English or a Scandinavian language. We only accept applications through Jobbnorge.

We offer

• Exciting research possibilities and great potential of growth
• Fantastic work environment and good renumeration within the stunning landscape of Tromsø
• Good welfare arrangements for employees
• Good arrangements for pension, insurance and loans in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

Remuneration of Postdoctoral positions are in State salary code 1352. In addition to taxes, a further 2% is deducted for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The working hours will be utilised for research, research-related activities and research administration.

More information about moving to Tromsø: uit.no/mobility

General information

The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

The objective of the appointment as a Postdoctoral Fellow is to qualify for work in senior academic positions, and no one may be appointed to more than one fixed term period at the same institution.

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. UiT and will emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

Apply for position