Let's shape the future

Postdoc, X-ray Diffraction and Electron crystallography: pattern recognition in large datasets

Description:

The research group AXES (Antwerp X-ray Imaging, Electrochemistry and Speciation lab), in collaboration with EMAT (Electron Microscopy for Materials Science) has an open Postdoc position. He/she that will be part of a team developing the possibility to determine crystal structures using diffraction data obtained by means of an specially adapted scanning electron microscope.

Structure determination from electron diffraction data is a recent and rapidly progressing field providing an alternative to standard X-ray diffraction techniques. Up till now this has been done using transmission electron microscopes. In this project we will explore the possibility to make the technique more widely available and easily applicable by using an SEM (scanning electron microscope) instead.

The postdoc will contribute to this goal by developing part of the experimental setup and its software, and by optimizing protocols to deal with large amounts of (electron and X-ray) diffraction data.

Research groups

AXES is a research group specializing in the non-destructive micro- and nano analysis of a variety of materials by means of X-ray and electron beams (see our webpage). Next to regularly making use of synchrotron based X-ray microprobes for combined X-ray fluorescence, X-ray absorption and X-ray diffraction measurements, in the Antwerp X-ray fluorescence and diffraction scanners based on laboratory X-ray sources are developed and mainly (but not exclusively) employed in the cultural heritage sector. This equipment is capable of producing large sets of diffraction (and related spectral data).

EMAT is one of the leading electron microscopy centers in the world (see webpage) and has a vast expertise in both fundamental and applied electron microscopy. EMAT has several state of the art electron microscopes including three aberration corrected, high end Thermo Fisher Titan instruments, a dual beam FIB, an environmental SEM, ...

Requirements

• You hold a PhD in Physics, (Analytical) Chemistry, (Electronic) Engineering, Materials Science or Materials Engineering or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You have a thorough experience with programming, interfacing computers to scientific instruments and/or with processing of spectral datasets.
• You work with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You like to think of creative solutions, and are eager to create new instruments hands-on and to develop and maintain the software that drives them.

We offer

• exciting research on a path towards a future into a spin-off venture
• a world-class research environment with state-of-the-art instrumentation
• a monthly salary calculated according to the scholarship and salary levels set by the University of Antwerp.
• a planned starting date: as soon as possible.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including January 31 2021 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: 1) a motivation letter, 2) a detailed CV (including followed courses, honours, grades, previous work, programming skills, publications, …) 3) contact info of two references 4) a weblink to a short video introducing yourself
• 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 koen.janssens@uantwerpen.be or jo.verbeeck@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.