PhD Optical Design & Prototyping for Spectral Microscopic Imaging of Microplastics Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a PhD position in Optical Design & Prototyping for Spectral Microscopic Imaging of Microplastics. This opportunity is based within the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, and the Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) research group. The project focuses on developing selective spectral microscopic imaging (SSMI) techniques for in-situ sensing applications, with a primary emphasis on microplastic detection, but also relevant to food safety, bioimaging, and materials analysis.

Conventional hyperspectral microscopy faces challenges such as slow acquisition speeds and large volumes of redundant data, limiting its real-world applicability. The aim of this PhD project is to create a snapshot spatio-spectral microscopy framework capable of extracting meaningful spectral information from a single image. This will be achieved by integrating innovative optical system design—including diffractive optical elements, meta-surfaces, and freeform optics—with learning-based data processing. The research seeks to jointly optimize spatial resolution, imaging speed, and data efficiency, overcoming fundamental trade-offs in traditional approaches.

The successful candidate will focus on optical design for snapshot spectral microscopy and experimental validation of the imaging system. The position is supervised by Prof. Heidi Ottevaere and Prof. Yunfeng Nie, and is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene). The PhD scholarship is full-time for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon positive evaluation, with a grant linked to government scales. Additional benefits include telework allowance, hospitalisation insurance, public transport reimbursement, campus restaurant discounts, sports facilities, nursery discounts, and access to learning platforms.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in physics, photonics, applied physics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related scientific field. Interest in optical instrumentation, spectroscopy, or computational imaging is essential. Experience or motivation to learn optical design, physical modelling, image processing, and machine learning is required. Hands-on experience with optical design and laboratory setups, as well as good programming skills (Matlab, Python, or similar), are strong pluses. Knowledge of numerical techniques and advanced simulation methods (ANSYS Zemax OpticsStudio) is advantageous. Candidates must be able to conduct research independently, possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, demonstrate good time management, and meet tight deadlines. Proficiency in spoken and written English (CEFR level C1 or equivalent) is required. Candidates must meet VUB residence and permit requirements and not have worked as an assistant paid from operating resources for more than 12 months.

The application deadline is 22 February 2026. To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and diploma (not required for VUB alumni) via jobs.vub.be. The selection process includes an initial review of your application file followed by a job interview. For questions about the job content, contact Yunfeng Nie at [email protected]. For more information about working at VUB and the EUTOPIA alliance, visit jobs.vub.be and eutopia-university.eu.