Publisher
source

Wouter Saeys

Top university

7 months ago

PhD position on Laser Scatter Imaging for Plant Stress Detection in Greenhouse Crops KU Leuven in Belgium

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

Belgium

University

KU Leuven

Suggested positions

Publisher
source

Computer Vision Center

Country flag

Spain

📢 PhD opportunity in Computer Vision and Image Processing for fruit crops at the Computer Vision Center (CVC) and the Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) . The selected candidate will join a national research project funded by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación and work under the co-direction of Robert Benavente (CVC) together with Estanis Torres and Lluís Asín (IRTA). The research is focused on apple and peach crops under field conditions. Planned topics include 3D image ...

Computer Science
Environmental Science
Agriculture
+8 more

3 weeks ago

Publisher
source

Ghent University

Country flag

Belgium

Ghent University is advertising a PhD / doctoral fellow position in forest ecology , remote sensing , terrestrial laser scanning , and microclimate buffering . The project is hosted by Q-ForestLab in the Department of Environment and focuses on linking high-temporal-resolution 3D forest structure with microclimate time series in tropical and temperate forest ecosystems. The research will examine how disturbances and forest dynamics shape forest structure over time, and how those structural chang...

Computer Science
Ecology
Environmental Science
+6 more

1 days ago

Publisher
source

University of Maastricht

Country flag

Netherlands

Maastricht University’s Brightlands Future Farming Institute (BFFI) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in Autonomous Controlled Environmental Agriculture in the Netherlands. The project sits at the intersection of controlled environment agriculture , plant sensing , crop modelling , computer vision , data science , and agricultural engineering , with a strong focus on next-generation autonomous crop monitoring and decision-support systems for greenhouse and vertical farming. The successful ...

Computer Science
Data Science
Environmental Science
+8 more

1 month ago

Publisher
source

Rice University

Country flag

United States

Postdoctoral Associate in Bioengineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas, United States. The Biophotonics Instrumentation Laboratory in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop advanced optical instrumentation for imaging and sensing applications. The project focuses on the design, fabrication, integration, and evaluation of hyperspectral snapshot imaging systems for remote sensing, combining optics, opto-mechanics, electronics, sof...

Computer Science
Biomedical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
+8 more

2 months ago

Publisher
source

Forschungszentrum Jülich

Country flag

Germany

Forschungszentrum Jülich is advertising a PhD position in plant science focused on linking above-ground plant function to root dynamics . The project asks how observations above ground can help explain what happens below ground, with a particular focus on photosynthesis , plant growth , and root dynamics . The work is described as interdisciplinary and brings together plant physiologists , engineers , physicists , and computer scientists . Research methods include innovative plant experiments, a...

Computer Science
Environmental Science
Agriculture
+8 more

5 days ago

Keywords

Computer Science
Machine Learning
Environmental Science
Agriculture
Electrical Engineering
Biology
Plant Physiology
Computer Vision
Biophotonics
Hyperspectral Imaging
Optical Sensor
Chemometric
Physics
bio engineering

About this position

The MeBioS research unit at KU Leuven is offering a PhD position focused on the development of laser scatter imaging techniques for early detection of plant stress in greenhouse crops, primarily tomatoes. The research is embedded within the Biophotonics group, which specializes in innovative optical sensor technologies and advanced data analysis methods to monitor and control the quality of biological products and processes, with a strong emphasis on applications in precision agriculture.

This project aims to design and implement a camera-based multispectral laser scattering imaging setup, optimized for measuring plant leaves. By capturing and analyzing laser scatter images at different wavelengths, the research will untangle the effects of light scattering and absorption, which are linked to plant microstructure and pigmentation. The ultimate goal is to develop a functional prototype sensor capable of detecting subtle stress responses in plants, enabling timely adjustments in greenhouse management for optimized crop yield and resource use.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the imaging setup, analyzing scatter images to extract relevant plant physiological information, and validating the sensor prototype in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The project involves interdisciplinary collaboration, combining expertise in optics, photonics, machine learning, computer vision, and crop science.

Applicants should hold a MSc degree in Engineering (bioscience, electrical, optical) or Science (physics, photonics), possess strong analytical and hands-on skills, and be proficient in programming (Matlab/Python for data processing, Labview for control software). Excellent communication skills and fluency in English are required. The position offers a full-time contract for one year, renewable up to four years upon positive evaluation, with remuneration according to KU Leuven salary scales. The research environment provides state-of-the-art infrastructure, high-level scientific training, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team at a top-ranked university.

For further information, candidates may contact Prof. dr. ir. Wouter Saeys or dr. ir. Annelies Postelmans. Applications should be submitted via the KU Leuven jobsite before the deadline. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in its academic community.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must hold a MSc degree in Engineering (bioscience, electrical, optical) or in Science (physics, photonics). Strong interest in greenhouse farming and plant stress detection is a plus. Candidates should have an analytical mind for modeling light-plant tissue interactions, experience in processing scatter images, and translating results to plant stress status. Hands-on skills for sensor prototype design and control software development are required. Programming skills in Matlab/Python for data processing and Labview for setup control are necessary. Candidates should be proactive in communication, able to work independently, and fluent in written and spoken English.

ApplyKite TwinLearns as you apply

Make your next move.

Prepare your application

Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.

Professors

Prof.

University Name
Country flag

Belgium

Research Interests

Crop Science

Food Science

Biophotonics

Spectroscopy

Fnirs