ESRF - PhD student at FZJ - studying cross-scale correlative chemical imaging of soft matter

At a glance

Job title: PhD student at FZJ - studying cross-scale correlative chemical imaging of soft matter
Ref.: NS25-FZJ04
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Salary range: 43k euros
Deadline for applications: 24/06/2025
Expected deadline of applications: 24/06/2025
Publication start on Front Office : Site internet: 24/04/2025
Contract duration: 48 months

Context & Job description

Thesis subject: Cross-scale chemical imaging of soft matter using correlative mass spectrometry and electron spectroscopy

Cryo-electron microscopy has seen remarkable advances over the past decades to solve the three-dimensional structure of biomolecules down to near-atomic resolution. However, it does not directly provide chemical information. In contrast, mass spectrometry imaging can reveal the spatial distribution of a wide range of atomic and molecular ions with high chemical sensitivity. Yet its lateral resolution is typically lower, ranging from tens of μm in MALDI-TOF with intact molecule spectra to sub-μm levels in ToF-SIMS with fragmented molecule signatures. Acquiring and correlating information from complementary imaging techniques is essential to unveil complex chemical environment across different scales.

This PhD project offers the candidate a unique opportunity to work with both tailored mass spectrometry imaging tools and advanced electron microscopy instruments, and explore cross-scale correlative chemical imaging on soft matter and biological systems. In particular, a uniquely designed FIB-ToF-SIMS instrument with new generation of primary FIB sources and optimized SIMS optics will be used for efficient high-resolution SIMS mapping. In addition, ultrahigh energy resolution vibrational electron spectroscopy on an aberration-corrected STEM instrument will be applied in aloof mode for damage-free soft matter chemical characterization at even higher resolution. Beyond experimental work with these advanced platforms, the candidate will also develop data analytics to correlate chemical maps across obtained multiple spatial scales.

This project will be hosted at the Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) at Research Centre Juelich, one of the world’s most advanced electron microscopy facilities. The ER-C houses an unparalleled collection of state-of-the-art electron microscopes and correlated techniques, which enables high spatial, momentum, energy and temporal resolution characterisation of a wide range of material and biological structures.

This project is a collaboration between the ER-C and the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4i) Institute, embedded in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) at Maastricht University, Netherlands. M4i is a state-of-the art international institute that brings together a powerful palette of innovative molecular imaging technologies. Its mission is to develop instrumentation and perform both fundamental and applied studies in molecular imaging as part of a translational, synergistic, interdisciplinary research program that attracts top researchers from across the world.

The combination of the exceptional expertise on mass spectrometry imaging and microscopy at the M4i with the in-depth competence of electron microscopy and spectroscopy at the ER-C. The candidate will have the opportunity to split the time between the two institutions, ensuring a comprehensive training on both methods.

Further information may be obtained from: Dr. Anjusha Mathew (email: anjusha.mathew@maastrichtuniversity.nl) and Penghan Lu (email: p.lu@fz-juelich.de).

Expected profile

• A background in electron microscopy and spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, image analysis is desirable, and knowledge of programming, artificial intelligence, soft matter, structural and cellular biology would be an advantage.

• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics or a closely related science. However minimum degree level may vary between universities.

• Proficiency in English (A proof of upper-intermediate B2 level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native-English-speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof). If the applicant is unable to provide proof, an English test (free of charge) will be requested.

• Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the date of recruitment.

• All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.

• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

Working conditions

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at Maastricht University (Netherlands) on a 4-year programme. The candidate will be based at Maastricht University and FZJ (Germany) for 2 years, respectively. Furthermore, a varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the PhD project.

In addition to exciting tasks and the collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/julich-as-an-employer/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

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Company description

More details about the Nextstep Doctoral Programme on www.nextstep-programme.eu

NEXTSTEP will train 36 enthusiastic researchers to exploit the unique and transversal capabilities of analytical research infrastructures in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the areas of “Health”, “Digital, Industry & Space”, “Climate, Energy and Mobility” and “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, which are at the heart of Horizon Europe. Host laboratories: ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).