Hannah Menke

Fully funded EPSRC PhD opportunity at Heriot-Watt University in partnership with ZEISS Group , based in the SET-IT: Subsurface Energy Transition & Innovation Centre and DigiPorFlow . The project asks a fundamental question in 3D imaging : how do we know whether a feature in a 3D image is real? The successful PhD student will work on measuring effective 3D resolution , comparing voxel size with what an instrument and reconstruction actually resolve, and testing whether AI super-resolution recovers physically supported structure or creates convincing artefacts. Research themes include X-ray microscopy , electron microscopy , quantitative image analysis, scientific programming, measurement uncertainty, experimental design, and responsible machine learning . The application is especially relevant to students interested in porous rocks, geoscience, imaging science, and data-driven methods for physical measurement. The studentship covers UK/Home tuition fees and provides a UKRI stipend of £21,805 per year for 42 months . It is available only to applicants who qualify for UK/Home fee status. The project also offers collaboration with ZEISS scientists and instrument developers, plus opportunities for research travel in the UK and Europe, and potentially the United States. Applicants are welcomed from physics, engineering, geoscience, materials science, computer science, applied mathematics, or another relevant quantitative discipline. Prior experience with X-ray imaging or machine learning is helpful but not required. Applications are reviewed every two weeks and remain open until the position is filled. The successful applicant can begin at an agreed date as late as October 2027. The supporting statement should answer three reasoning-focused questions about an imaging result you would question, your first test for whether a 3D feature is real, and what you would need to learn anew in the project. For an informal discussion, contact Hannah Menke at [email protected] .