Position as postdoctoral fellow in Advanced Optical and Mobile Microscopy applied to the field of Sustainable Agriculture Technologies – RE-IMAGINE-CROPS EU Project

JOB DESCRIPTION

The RE-IMAGINE-CROPS project is an ambitious EU-funded initiative addressing sustainable agriculture challenges through the development of cutting-edge imaging technologies. This project aims to revolutionize nitrogen (N)-fertilizer application by developing the first real-time, in-field, portable, and multiscale Positron Emission Tomography - Multiphoton Endoscope (PET-ME) technology. The novel approach combines whole-plant metabolic (PET) with cellular-level structural and functional imaging (ME). This will enable precise tailoring of N-fertilizer use to optimize crop health and minimize ecological and economic losses.

The main milestones of the whole project are:

• Development and qualification of optical fiber-based multiphoton endoscopic systems for structural and functional (sub)cellular imaging under bumpy-field conditions.
• Real-time PET reconstruction for metabolic imaging at a micrometer scale under bumpy-field conditions
• Advanced hydrodynamic modelling for fertilizer dispersion.
• Integration of tracer systems using innovative protein labelling technologies.
• Development of optimal data management and analysis software.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our multidisciplinary team of physicists, biologists, and image analysis specialist at Maastricht University as Research Scientist, focusing on the first key goal, but in close collaboration with the other goals. They will interact with the engineers developing the optical fiber systems for the endoscope (Lille and Marseille, France), biologists applying the endoscope in-field (BF Educational, Jolanda di Savoia and Universitá di Teramo, Teramo, Italy) in crop fields, chemists developing tracers for PET and Multiphoton (Turku, Finland), and data specialists for analysis software (Vienna, Austria)

REQUIREMENTS

The applicant needs to have a thorough background in the physics or engineering field. They should furthermore have prior knowledge of (part of) the microscope techniques below. Knowledge/experience in plant biology is a pre. This project is strongly multidisciplinary, thus well-developed communicative soft-skills (in English) are crucial.

• Ph.D. in Physics, Biophysics, Engineering, or Biotechnology
• Expertise in Multiphoton (SHG, THG, CARS, SRS, Fluorescence) microscopy
• Preferably experience with microscopy on or biology of plants
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability, desire, and enthusiasm to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment of optical engineers, (plant) biologists, chemists, and data management and analysis specialists
• Excellent and open communication skills in English (both written and spoken).
• Experience in scientific publishing.

MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY

Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.
In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.
With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.
Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

• Development and qualification of optical fiber-based multiphoton endoscopic microscope for structural and functional (sub)cellular imaging in-lab and under bumpy-field conditions.
• Initiate and collaborate with all consortium partners to implement the multiphoton endoscopy for both in-lab and in-field applications at various locations.
• Conduct experiments and analyse results under in-lab and in real-world crop environments.
• Contribute to the design and optimization of imaging systems and tracers.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.