Postdoctoral researcher photonics for tissue characterisation / biomedical engineer in pathology

University of Antwerp; Belgique; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two-year appointment

Flexible working hours

40 days annual leave

Job summary

University of Antwerp seeks a postdoctoral researcher in photonics for tissue characterisation within the PATHiDT team at the Department of Pathology and Antwerp University Hospital. The role focuses on Raman spectroscopy, optical instrumentation, and AI-driven data analysis to advance diagnostic pathology.

The successful candidate will develop photonics methods, publish results, write grant proposals, and collaborate with clinicians, molecular biologists and engineers to translate innovations

Qualifications

• PhD in biomedical engineering, photonics or optical engineering (within 5 years).
• Experience with building optical instruments.
• Experience with machine learning and programming.
• Excellent communication across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research in photonics for tissue characterisation, incl. Raman spectroscopy.
• Contribute to PATHiDT team research at UA and UZA.
• Divide work among optical instrumentation, tissue measurements, and data analysis/AI.
• Develop Raman spectroscopy and assess additional photonics techniques.
• Translate photonics and AI innovations into diagnostic workflows with clinicians.

Skills

Optical instrument design

Machine learning

Programming

Scientific communication

Leadership

Education

PhD in biomedical engineering/photonics/optical engineering

Tools

Optical instrumentation

Python

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Antwerp Research Field Chemistry » Other Computer science » Programming Computer science » Other Engineering » Biomedical engineering Engineering » Other Medical sciences » Other Physics » Optics Physics » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Let's shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6 000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future - a future that you can help to shape.

The Department of Molecular Imaging, Pathology, Radiotherapy and Oncology in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Department of Pathology have the following vacancy: postdoctoral researcher in the field of photonics for tissue characterisation / biomedical engineer in pathology

Position

• You will conduct scientific research in photonics for tissue characterisation, with a particular focus on Raman spectroscopy and related optical technologies for pathology.
• You will support scientific contribution to existing research projects and conduct scientific research within the "Pathology to improve diagnosis and treatment" (PATHiDT) team of University of Antwerp and the Department of Pathology at Antwerp University Hospital (UZA).
• You will divide your work between three areas: development of optical instrumentation, measurement studies on clinical tissue (ex vivo and in vivo), and data analysis and AI.
• You will develop the Raman spectroscopy research further, and assess and introduce additional photonics techniques for tissue characterisation.
• You will link the photonics data to the department's digital pathology and molecular pathology work.
• You will write grant applications to secure funding for the group, and publish scientific results.
• You will contribute to the translation of photonics and AI innovations into diagnostic pathology workflows, in close collaboration with pathologists, clinicians and molecular biologists.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in biomedical engineering, photonics or optical engineering, or a related field, obtained no more than five years ago. An engineering background is essential.
• You have experience with building optical instruments.
• You have experience with machine learning and programming.
• You have excellent communication skills across disciplines: you can work effectively with engineers, pathologists, clinicians, molecular biologists, data scientists and academic and industrial partners.
• You are motivated to take a leading role and to build a research group.
• You are motivated to translate technological innovations into tools and workflows that support diagnostic practice and improve patient care.
• You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp's educational vision .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer a two-year appointment, with the aim of a longer-term position.
• We offer a unique setting: photonics technology development and application inside the Antwerp University Hospital Department of Pathology.
• We offer unique access to patient material.
• We offer an open-door policy towards new academic and industrial photonics developments, with the opportunity to work with the groups and companies behind them.
• We offer the opportunity to take part in research-related activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
• The planned start date is the 1st of Januari 2027 or as soon as possible after that date.
• You will do most of your work at the Antwerp University Hospital near Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• We offer flexible working hours.
• You will have 40 days of annual leave and collective leave for 1 week when the university is closed, between Christmas and New Year.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

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.