CEITEC BUT DOCTORAL STUDY PROGRAMME

 Ph.D. topic: Fast force volume SPM data interpretation for nano-mechanical and electrical analysis with known uncertainty

The main objective of the work is to develop fast data processing methods for processing force-distance-energy data coming from Scanning Probe Microscopy on surfaces relevant for life sciences research and medicine, including curve classification tools based on machine learning, providing both the curve quality feedback to the SPM controller and initial estimates for the nano-mechanical and electrical fits, with known measurement uncertainty related to data quality and data processing. This will be combined with research on potential speedup methods in fitting of large volumes of curves (e.g. using Field Programmable Gate Arrays, Graphics cards and machine learning), and finally will lead to integration into an autonomous multiparametric SPM in cooperation with other partners in the MSCA-Doctoral Network project “Autonomous Scanning Probe Microscopy for Life Sciences and Medicine powered by Artificial Intelligence (SPM4.0)”. In parallel to this, aspects of machine learning explainability and uncertainty in SPM will be handled.

To achieve it the doctoral candidate will:

• Develop both machine learning based and conventional methods based data processing routines for force-distance and force-distance-energy data cubes.
• Contribute to Gwyddion open source software development to be used as a demonstrator platform for developed routines.
• Integrate the algorithms into autonomously running microscopes.
• Cooperate on the goals of SPM4.0 project by performing joint research with other doctoral candidates, visiting the partner institutions and attending training activities organized by the consortium.

The candidate will be supported by a 3-year job offered by the Czech Metrology Institute in the framework of the Horizon Europe MSCA-Doctoral Network “Autonomous Scanning Probe Microscopy for Life Sciences and Medicine powered by Artificial Intelligence (SPM4.0)” and should therefore match the eligibility criteria for mobility within the project and other MSCA Doctoral Network rules. This project is funded by the European Union (GA: 101168976) and in total will involve 16 PhD positions distributed in 10 research centers/academic institutions and 3 companies from Spain, Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic and UK. Conditions to fulfill to get this support are listed here.

CEITEC Brno University of Technology is a part of CEITEC's scientific centre of excellence. Since 2011, it has formed a key component of cutting-edge research infrastructure with unique facilities and equipment for basic as well as applied research in advanced nanotechnology and materials.

We offer a unique inter-institutional graduate programme, which, in general, is based on CEITEC research programme  Advanced Materials and Nanosciences.

• More information about admission terms, topics, and the application can be found at ADMISSION STEP-BY-STEP.
• Apply now and become a member of our CEITEC international scientific family!  https://www.vut.cz/eprihlaska/cs/zadani/vybrat-obor/fakulta/20514

The call is open from March 1st – April 30th, 2025. 

CEITEC PhD School provides students from around the world an opportunity to get an education in contemporary scientific disciplines – with the standards of top-class foreign scientific institutions – in the inspiring environment of the city of Brno, which has been long established as a city of science and electron microscopy and is also the birthplace of J. G. Mendel.

IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT:

• WHY STUDY IN CZECHIA? → See here.
• WHY CHOOSE BRNO FOR YOUR STUDIES? → You definitely need to see here. 

Contact: 

CEITEC Brno University of Technology

Purkyňova 656/123

Brno, Czech Republic

phd@ceitec.vutbr.cz

www.ceitec.eu

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