PhD Position in Computational Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Spatial Metabolomics

This PhD position at Aarhus University’s Department of Environmental Science focuses on advancing computational methods for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and spatial metabolomics. The successful candidate will design batch-processing workflows, spatial segmentation algorithms, and open-source software to analyze biochemical processes at micrometer resolution. The project bridges computational science, biochemistry, and environmental toxicology, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration with experimental scientists. The role emphasizes reproducibility, quality control, and clear communication of results to both technical and non-technical audiences. The PhD student will contribute to methodological innovation while applying these tools to study metabolic responses in microbial communities, environmental samples, and tissues.

• Develop batch-processing workflows for mass spectrometry imaging and metabolomics data, including normalization, quantification, and feature alignment.
• Create spatial segmentation methods, including uncertainty-aware and spatially regularized clustering techniques.
• Collaborate with experimental scientists to validate computational methods against biological datasets and ensure reproducibility.
• Implement automated quality control, testing, documentation, and reproducibility reporting for computational tools.
• Communicate complex computational results clearly to interdisciplinary teams, including non-computational researchers.
• Present findings at international scientific meetings and publish methodological and application studies.
• Release well-documented, open-source software for spatial metabolomics and MSI data analysis.
• Work closely with senior investigators and interdisciplinary teams to integrate computational methods into biological applications.