Up to 48 months contract - 14+22 (+12) | Belvaux

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

LIST is offering a fixed-term (up to 4 years) position for a PhD candidate to reinforce its applied research activities on biodiversity. The successful candidate will join the Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment (BIODIV) research group at LIST that focusses on innovating the way data is processed. As a national hub at the interface between the scientific community and decision/policy makers in Luxembourg, the BIODIV group is sampling, collecting and analysing data on various living organisms to assess their changing conservation status and dynamics, as well as developing and making use of technology-based approaches for data collection and processing.

If you are eager to merge cutting-edge technology with ecological sciences, this position is for you!

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary research project focused on leveraging deep learning and advanced image processing techniques to improve the current tools for biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems. This position involves the development and application of machine learning algorithms to automatically classify freshwater benthic diatoms at the species level and quantify key morphological traits. These advancements aim to improve ecological diagnostics compared to traditional methods by reducing time, cost and variability, therefore supporting robust management responses to anthropogenic pressures on aquatic ecosystems.

Applicants should have a background in aquatic ecology and biomonitoring, or related fields, with experience in image acquisition, large dataset processing, and statistical analysis. A passion for interdisciplinary research that bridges AI-driven technology and environmental sciences is essential. This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop innovative cutting-edge tools for improving ecological monitoring, therefore addressing urgent societal needs for sustainable ecosystem management.

Within the recently funded project BIOINDIC-IA (funded by the FNR under the ANR programme), you will be mainly in charge of:

·       Data assembly and curation: using a state-of-the-art image acquisition set-up, compile and curate high-quality image datasets of freshwater diatoms for training, validation, and performance improvement of deep learning-based workflows for diatoms species identification and trait quantification (e.g. size, deformation intensity).

·       Benchmarking and validation: Compare automated approaches with traditional methods based on relevant case studies within regulatory frameworks (such as the European Water Framework Directive: WFD), which will be representative of various taxonomic and morphologic trait diversity levels (in terms of species richness, abundance, distribution, …), the overall water class quality (good, bad and intermediate situations) but also the type of human pressures (eutrophication, habitat degradation, contamination by specific chemicals, etc).

·       Develop innovative biomonitoring tools: Identify the most efficient combination of machine learning-based taxonomic and morphological metrics able to distinguish among different categories of pressure (e.g., nutrient contamination, pesticide pollution or habitat degradation).

·       Real-world impact: lay the groundwork for implementing these innovative tools within institutional biomonitoring frameworks for practical applications by contributing to dedicated activities involving end-users, stakeholders and managers (OFB and Water Agencies in France, Administration de la gestion de l'eau (AGE) in Luxembourg).

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future

colleague? Apply now!

Education:

·       You hold a MSc or equivalent in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.

Language skills

·       Good level of both written and spoken English; knowledge of spoken French is a plus as to interact with the French-speaking community of end-users.

Experience and skills

• Solid background in freshwater ecology and biomonitoring, background in diatom ecology and taxonomy is a plus
• Good skills and interests in statistical analyses with good programming skills (R, Python or similar)
• Basic knowledge in machine learning and willingness to improve their skills in this field
• You are self-motivated but like working in a team, explaining and presenting research ideas and results in a strong interdisciplinary context (ecology, computer vision, machine learning experts) but also a non-scientific audience (end-users)
• Class B driving license

Your LIST benefits

·       An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

·       Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

·       Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

·       An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

·       Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

·       Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

·       Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

·       Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

·       32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

·       Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

·       A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

·       A scientific CV with contact details

·       Contact details of 2 references

Please note that by applying you consent to share your application with our University of Lorraine partner, Prof. Dr. Martin LAVIALE.

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

You will be enrolled at the Doctoral School in Science and Engineering (DSSE) at the University of Luxembourg, which will be responsible for awarding the PhD degree. A co-supervision from the University of Lorraine (Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux, Metz) will complement the environmental expertise of LIST with advanced numerical skills. Close collaboration is foreseen with machine learning experts from GeorgiaTech Europe and CentraleSupélec, which are both located in Metz.

PhD additional conditions:

·       Supervisor at LIST: Dr. Carlos Wetzel (carlos.wetzel@list.lu)

·       Co-supervision: Dr. Martin Laviale (University of Lorraine, Metz, France, martin.laviale@univ-lorraine.fr)

·       Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg with secondment at University of Lorraine (LIEC, Metz)

·       PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

Candidates shall be available for starting their position no earlier than in Spring 2025. Please note that university enrolment fees must be covered by the successful applicant. Your master diploma has to be recognized in Luxembourg.

Please refer to:

https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/

https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html