Research scientist for 4D X-ray CT imaging of earth materials

Organisation/Company Ghent University Research Field Computer science » Database management Computer science » Other Engineering » Materials engineering Engineering » Other Environmental science » Earth science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 29 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

The candidate will contribute to the EXCITE2 project by providing Transnational Access (TNA) support for the processing, analysis and interpretation of X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) data.

The main focus of the position will be on supporting international users in transforming complex micro-CT datasets into reliable and quantitative information. The candidate will work closely with visiting researchers and EXCITE2 users, providing expert guidance throughout the data-processing workflow, from image reconstruction and optimisation to advanced image analysis, segmentation, visualisation and quantitative data extraction.

The candidate will:

• provide TNA services related to X-ray micro-CT data processing and image analysis;
• support users in selecting and applying appropriate image-processing and analysis workflows;
• perform and optimise 3D image segmentation, visualisation and quantitative analysis of micro-CT datasets;
• work extensively with advanced image-analysis software, including Thermo Scientific Avizo, and related tools;
• assist users in interpreting their datasets and extracting scientifically relevant quantitative parameters;
• develop, improve and document reproducible data-processing workflows for different types of materials and research questions;
• contribute to the further development of data-processing expertise and services within the EXCITE2 infrastructure;
• collaborate with researchers and technical staff across the EXCITE2 network;
• provide clear documentation, training and knowledge transfer to users where appropriate.

As the position involves intensive interaction with external researchers and infrastructure users, the candidate should combine strong technical expertise with a service-oriented and user-focused attitude. Excellent communication skills, the ability to understand the scientific needs of users, and a willingness to help researchers obtain the maximum scientific value from their micro-CT data are essential.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree or a thesis-based doctorate.

The candidate should have:

• demonstrated experience with X-ray micro-CT data and 3D image analysis;
• hands-on experience with Avizo or comparable advanced 3D image-processing software;
• experience with segmentation, filtering, visualisation and quantitative analysis of volumetric datasets;
• the ability to translate scientific questions into appropriate image-analysis workflows;
• a strong interest in supporting researchers from different scientific disciplines;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• a customer-oriented, service-minded and solution-driven approach;
• the ability to work both independently and as part of an international and interdisciplinary team.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 1.2.2027 until 31.3.2028.
• Your contract will start on 1/02/2027 at the earliest.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.