PhD Research Fellow in Multi-Modal Microscopy and Tomography of Virus-Infected Organoids
Develop cutting-edge multi-modal microscopy techniques to study viral infections in organoid models under MSCA Doctoral Network funding.
Best for:Best for candidates with a strong background in physics, biomedical engineering, or biophysics, hands-on experience with optical instrumentation, and proficiency in image analysis using Python or MATLAB.
Overview
This PhD position at the University of Oslo focuses on advancing multi-modal microscopy to investigate viral interactions within host cells at the single-particle level. The project integrates photonic chip-based super-resolution microscopy and label-free optical diffraction tomography to study HIV-1 and VEEV infections in organoid models. The successful candidate will develop microscopy platforms, perform correlative imaging, and apply advanced image analysis techniques, including AI-assisted segmentation and classification. The role is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network, requiring international collaboration and research visits to partner institutions. The position offers a structured research environment with mentorship from Prof. Balpreet Singh Ahluwalia and Prof. Dag Kristian Dysthe, leading to a PhD degree in physics or a related field.
What you'll do
- Develop and adapt a multi-modal optical microscopy platform combining photonic chip-based super-resolution microscopy and optical diffraction tomography/quantitative phase microscopy.
- Perform correlative fluorescence optical microscopy with 3D quantitative phase tomography to enable virtual specificity in imaging viral infections.
- Generate and analyze correlated datasets to study microenvironmental changes during HIV-1 and VEEV infections using organoid sections, intact organoids, and cell models.
- Apply advanced image analysis techniques, including AI-assisted segmentation, classification, and correlation of imaging data.
- Collaborate with other doctoral candidates and partners within the MSCA Doctoral Network, including research visits and secondments to partner institutions.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in physics, engineering, or a related field such as biomedical engineering or biophysics. Foreign degrees must correspond to a minimum of four years of full-time study in the Norwegian educational system.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
Instruction: English
- Hands-on experience with experimental optical instrumentation, including development, alignment, operation, or application of optical microscopy systems.
- Strong background in image analysis or scientific data analysis using Python or MATLAB.
- Fluency in English for research communication and collaboration.
- Candidates must not have been awarded a doctorate previously.
- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Norway for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date (1 April 2027).
- Candidates must meet the entry requirements for the PhD program at the University of Oslo, including minimum grade requirements: bachelor’s average grade of C or better, master’s average grade of B or better, and a master’s thesis grade of B or better in the Norwegian educational system.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Applicants must submit their application through the MERIT MSCA Doctoral Network portal. The application should include a master’s dissertation for evaluation by the closing date. Detailed instructions and the application link are available on the MERIT website.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Master’s dissertation
- Transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Two reference letters
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