PhD student for the project Encoded Light Illumination FOR Scan-less volumetric microscopy Imaging at high-Resolution in 4D (ELiXSIR)
ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Sciences in Castelldefels (Barcelona), Spain, is offering one fully research-oriented PhD position in the SLN - Team Loza group led by Prof. Dr. Pablo Loza-Alvarez. The project,
Encoded Light Illumination FOR Scan-less volumetric microscopy Imaging at high-Resolution in 4D (ELiXSIR)
, focuses on bioimaging and advanced microscopy at the intersection of photonics and biology.
The successful PhD student will contribute to the design and build of a light-sheet encoded-illumination microscope, system characterization, sample chamber development, decoding algorithm development, single-plane super-resolution imaging, and volumetric imaging for selected biomedical applications. The group works on cutting-edge microscopy techniques aimed at enabling high-resolution, scan-less 4D imaging with biomedical impact.
ICFO offers a stimulating, international, and interdisciplinary environment with strong doctoral training and access to local universities, ICFO professors, and an extensive network of national and international partners, including research institutes, universities, and industry. The position is full-time and temporary, and it is embedded in a funded research project (PID2025-169761OB-I00) supported by MICIU/AEI and FSE+.
Eligibility is limited to candidates holding an internationally recognized Master-equivalent degree completed before the start of the PhD. Suitable backgrounds include Physics, Engineering, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Biomedicine, or related areas with a solid foundation in optics, photonics, microscopy, programming, and biology. Candidates should have an excellent academic record, prior research experience, and strong English proficiency. Preferred technical preparation includes imaging optics, Fourier optics, diffraction theory, laser alignment, signal processing, Python/MATLAB, fluorescence microscopy, optical design, hardware-software integration, FPGA/GPU processing, and quantitative data analysis.
To apply, candidates must submit an online application in English including a cover letter describing research interests and motivation, a CV, transcripts, degree certificates if available, any required equivalence documentation for non-EHEA degrees, optional standardized test results, and contact details for two referees. The deadline is 15 September 2026 at 12:00 UTC. Candidates may contact [email protected] for questions or formal enquiries.
