Vacature Postdoc in Advanced Optical & Mobile Microscopy for Sustainable Agriculture Technologies

Postdoc in Advanced Optical & Mobile Microscopy for Sustainable Agriculture Technologies in Maastricht

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)

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

What we offer

As Postdoc in Advanced Optical & Mobile Microscopy for Sustainable Agriculture Technologies at Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 10 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3378,00 and €5331,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 0,8 FTE.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.
  
  

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information,click here

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.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+).  FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+). 

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Marc van Zandvoort at

for more information.

Applying?

Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoc in Advanced Optical & Mobile Microscopy for Sustainable Agriculture Technologies? Apply now, no later than March 9, 2025, for this position.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.