The X-ray Nano-Imaging Group at the University of Southampton, headed by Dr. Pierre Thibault, focuses its activities on the development of high-resolution X-ray phase-contrast techniques and their applications to a wide range of samples. Our expertise in advanced algorithmic methods for image reconstruction is applied to a variety of imaging schemes. In addition to regular measurement runs done at multiple synchrotron radiation facilities in the world, we are now able to produce high-resolution X-ray images in our lab, thanks to a newly installed high-brilliance liquid-metal-jet source, the only one of its kind in the UK.
We are looking for a determined and motivated student to work on the implementation, development and applications of X-ray phase-contrast techniques based on modulations of patterned X-ray beams. In particular, the successful candidate will (1) optimise the setup for speckle-based methods; (2) manage collaborations with European partners for applications of speckle-based tomography with relevant biomedical, geological and palaeontological samples; (3) plan and participate to benchmarking experiments at different synchrotrons; and (4) work toward the first demonstration of near-field ptychography at a lab source.
The candidate should have a good background in optics and atomic physics. Good programming skills (ideally in python, C/C++ or matlab) are essential. Past experience with X-ray equipment is highly valuable.
This Mayflower scholarship, available only to United Kingdom and European Union citizens, provides full support of fees, student grant and some research support over a period of 4 years. Teaching duties amounting to up to 20% are included in the employment.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and their CV (including the name and coordinates of two references) directly to Dr. Pierre Thibault (pierre.thibault@soton.ac.uk) before the 30th June 2017. This position is to start on the last week of September 2017.
