Organisation/Company Universidad de Granada Department Óptica Research Field Physics » Optics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 31 Jan 2027 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35-40 Offer Starting Date 16 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101311908 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Individual Research Project Description: DC5
- Project Title: Optical Module Optimization of WCE for High Resolution Image Formation
- Work Package: WP2 – Imaging
Objectives:
- Enhance both the optical lens and illumination properties of the WCE module by optimizing the protective dome and lens design for superior image quality, light distribution, and radiometric performance in deep gastrointestinal areas.
- Minimize optical artifacts and monochromatic/chromatic aberrations using advanced optical surfaces (aspheric geometries) and custom optical design tailored to capsule spatial constraints.
- Optimize light source placement and implement dynamic exposure control to ensure consistent, even illumination across varied internal topologies.
Expected Results and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- KPI5.1 (M20): Dynamic range performance evaluated using standardized test charts.
- KPI5.2 (M28): Chromatic aberration reduction across the visible spectrum, alongside a reduction in RMS Wavefront Error compared to the baseline design.
- KPI5.3 (M28): Illuminance uniformity across the field of view reaching a target ratio (minimum to maximum illuminance).
- KPI5.4 (M36): Completion and delivery of an advanced wide-angle optical module design.
- KPI6 (M42): Comprehensive feasibility report on integrating multispectral imaging capabilities into WCE devices.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform optical design, ray-tracing, and wave-optics simulations to model and optimize the WCE lens and dome assembly.
- Participate actively in mandatory secondments at partner institutions and present research findings at international conferences and network workshops.
- Complete the doctoral curriculum at the Universidad de Granada and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
Planned Secondments & Network Training
DC5 will complete two mandatory secondment periods to ensure intersectoral and international mobility:
- Academic Secondment 1 (S5.1):
- Host: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Norway)
- Supervisor: Dr. Pål Anders Floor
- Timing / Duration: Months M12–M16 (4 months)
- Purpose: Collaboration with DC6 on multispectral data acquisition and spectral image modeling.
- Clinical Secondment 2 (S5.2):
- Host: Sykehuset Innlandet (SI, Norway)
- Supervisor: Prof. Øistein Hovde
- Timing / Duration: Months M30–M31 (2 months)
- Purpose: Clinical evaluation of optical image quality and illumination with gastroenterologists, in collaboration with DC2.
In addition, DC5 will attend central network events, including Training Event 2 (TE2: Image formation and applications) hosted by UGR in Month 9.
Requirements
Research Field Physics » Optics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Engineering » Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Education: A Master’s Degree (or equivalent degree granting access to PhD studies) in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or Biomedical Optics.
- Technical Skills: Background in optical design and simulation tools (e.g., ZEMAX, Code V, VirtualLab) and programming for image analysis (Python, MATLAB, C/C++).
- Soft Skill(s): Motivation for interdisciplinary research and willingness to undergo European mobility.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Additional Information
Work Location, Hiring Conditions & Benefits
- Primary Work Location: Department of Optics, Universidad de Granada, Spain.
- Contract Duration: 36 months (Full-time employment contract under Spanish legislation).
- Expected Start Date: Month 6 of the CAPTURE project.
Remuneration Package:
Fully funded by the European Commission under MSCA Doctoral Networks unit costs:
- Living Allowance: ~ €2,890 gross per month. Monthly rate adjusted by Spain's country correction coefficient.
- Mobility Allowance: ~ €530 gross per month. Monthly stipend to cover relocation and mobility costs.
- Family Allowance: ~ €490 gross per month. Additional monthly allowance if eligible under MSCA rules.
- Social Security: Full coverage under the Spanish National Social Security system (healthcare, occupational accident insurance, disability, and pension contributions).
- Doctoral Candidate Status (R1): Applicants must not possess a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
- MSCA International Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to their recruitment date.
Selection process
The CAPTURE Consortium adheres to Open, Transparent, and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) principles, compliant with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
The Universidad de Granada and the CAPTURE Consortium are equal opportunity employers committed to workforce diversity and gender equality in STEM.