If you are establishing your career as scientist and you are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, the Technical University of Denmark has an open 2.5-year Postdoctoral Researcher position as part of the Grand Solutions project, “ AIMICS: An AU-driven Multidimensional Imaging Platform to Improve Cancer Surgery”.
The project aims to pioneer the field of diffuse reflection mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy for surface analysis of complex biological samples. The primary objective of this project is to create an ultrasensitive imaging system to capture MIR spectral features to differentiate cancer tissue from benign tissue.
Responsibilities and qualifications
In this project novel methods will be explored for the acquisition of (MIR) spectral signatures. Particularly, pulsed MIR sources and synchronous upconversion detection will be developed and implemented for hyperspectral image acquisition of highly opaque samples. The diagnostically relevant signatures are mainly available in the 3 to 4 µm and the 5 to 8 µm band.
Several implementations will be developed and tested: First transmission mode sample analysis will be implemented with existing tuneable QCL light sources and raster scanning image acquisition for subsequent AI based image analysis by project partners. Parallel to this, high brightness tuneable pulsed sources will be developed, and combined with ultrasensitive detection techniques based on synchronous pulsed upconversion, enabling diffuse refection spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging.
The project will be conducted in close collaboration with medical doctors supplying the samples and results will be compared to standard histopathological staining methods.
Key activities
Qualifications
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent), with a good understanding of solid-state laser sources, second-order nonlinear optics (OPO and SFG) and infrared spectroscopy. The project will contain both experimental and theoretical work. Knowledge of data acquisition, electronics and image processing is preferable.
Personal qualifications
To become successful, you must be enthusiastic and feel strongly for optical engineering and excellent designs, be able to combine theory with practical and systematic execution and enjoy sharing your passion with your colleagues. You should have a creative and positive mindset and thrive in an informal and cross-functional environment.
The right candidate will have their workplace at the Technical University of Denmark, Risø Campus but will collaborate with several external academic partners in association with the Technical University Hospital https://tuh.dtu.dk/
During the project the candidate is expected to publish and present the findings, and to coordinate the work with project academic and industrial partners.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 2.5 years. Starting date is July (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here
Further information
Associate Professor, Peter Tidemand-Lichtenberg, phone +45 4677 4579, ptli@.dtu.dk
Professor, Group leader, Christian Pedersen, phone +45 4677 4508, chrp@dtu.dk
You can read more about DTU Electro at https://electro.dtu.dk/
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 4 June 2026 (23:59 Danish time) Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file The file must include:
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU Electro
DTU Electro employs more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As a department we strive towards creating sustainable energy and a greener internet, as well as strengthening cyber security and health technology. Working with the industry and public organizations is one of our top priorities to find and implement new solutions to our society. We aim to offer education, research, and innovation of the highest standard, and our focus on application-oriented research enables us to work across many engineering disciplines and research areas, such as IT and the medical and health sciences. We have a close collaboration with researchers from all over the world, just as we collaborate with industry and public authorities about the dissemination of solutions based on electrical and photonics engineering as their key enabling technologies.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
