Doctoral Researcher in THz- and sub-millimeter-wave imaging using radar and frequency-diverse diffractive optical elements for real-time tissue assessment

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The THz- and Millimeterwave Techniques group is in search of a doctoral researcher for an interdisciplinary THz medical imaging research program developing diffractive optical elements (DOEs) and other novel engineered illumination techniques to ascertain the morphology and aqueous constituents of surface tissue. The theoretical work entails physical optics simulations and radar signal processing techniques, and the experimental work will be anchored by a submillimeter wave FMCW monostatic radar system.

Research background

THz- and submillimeter-wave imaging is a promising modality for the assessment of tissue status as it may indicate abnormal changes in tissue water content. Many skin conditions (e.g. eczema, allergies) and eye diseases (e.g. Fuchs Dystrophy) are associated with changes in tissue water content that are not easily discernable in the early stages of any given ailment. Non-invasive methods to detect small, initial tissue hydration perturbations are non-existent. Submillimeter spectroscopy of tissue is both sensitive and specific to tissue water and represents a potential accurate and non-invasive method to ascertain hydration.

However, spectroscopy/imaging of the in vivo tissue at submillimeter-wave frequencies is limited in the same way most research biophotonics systems are limited: (1) it’s difficult to get the light where you want it and (2) it’s difficult to acquire high fidelity data at a rate sufficient to accommodate patient movement and the possible rapid changes in tissue contrast mechanisms.

To address these challenges, the illumination must be tailored to the application. In this work you will pursue the design, evaluation, fabrication, and testing of diffractive optical elements constructed to optimize the distribution of radiation on target and maximize image acquisition rate. Your optical work will be integrated with FMCW transceivers, and these activities will be evaluated with in vitro models and volunteer human subjects.

Research position details

This Doctoral Researcher position entails four key development areas: (1) design, simulation, and fabrication of diffractive optical elements (DOE) specific to the application illumination requirements. Development informed by physical, Fourier, and geometric optics calculations. DOEs must also accommodate different types of source profiles and spectra. (2) Integration of DOEs with a submillimeter wave, coherent FMCW transceiver. (3) Laboratory imaging experiments on calibration and phantom targets. (4) Machine learning approaches to identify features and evaluate classifiers relevant to the clinical application.

Representative research publications on the topic include, but not limited to:

[1]          P. Rezapoor, A. Tamminen, J. Ala-Laurinaho, D. Ruan, and Z. Taylor, “Perturbed Resonance Frequency Analysis for Imaging Epidermal Thickness and Water Content Using Terahertz Spectroscopy,” IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, pp. 1–9, 2025.

[2]          R. Grigorev, F. Zarrinkhat, J. Lamberg, I. Nefedova, M. Mirmoosa, J. Ala-Laurinaho, A. Tamminen, and Z. Taylor, “Gouy Phase Correction for Quasioptical, Dielectric Spectroscopy of Spherical Shells in a Gaussian Beam for Terahertz Corneal Sensing,” IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 370–378, 2025.

[3]          S. V. Pälli, A. Tamminen, J. Ala-Laurinaho, and Z. D. Taylor, “Design and Characterization of Phase Holograms for Standoff Localization at Millimeter and Submillimeter Waves,” IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 907–918, 2022.

Research group

Aalto: This research position is in the THz- and Millimeter-Wave Techniques research group at Aalto, which is led by Professor Zachary Taylor. Professor Taylor’s group are world leaders in the use of THz and submillimeter wave technology for diagnostic medical imaging and sensing. The position is part of a research program that has been funded by the Research Council of Finland and Business Finland and is currently supported by the Technology Industries of Finland.

Collaborators: This work is in collaboration with researchers at Chalmers University (Sweden), University of St. Andrews (Scotland), and the UCLA School of Medicine (USA). The assembled interdisciplinary team combines capability in a host of interconnected specialties and fields and will provide the doctoral candidate with high impact experience in diagnostic engineering work.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related topics
• Comfortable with both theory and experiments. Experimental experience a plus.
• Good grasp of systems and signals concepts
• Computational electromagnetics experience a plus
• Experience with Deep Neural Network (DNN) based analysis preferred
• High level competency in MATLAB, Python, or some other scripting language
• Good command of English

Outcomes and opportunities afforded by this research program

• High level competence with electromagnetic theory and simulations
• High level competence in interdisciplinary lab work
• Eminently employable in microwave research or industrial settings
• Eminently employable in medical imaging research or industrial settings
• Exposure and networking with international collaborators

Salary and contract terms

Starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 3075 €/month. Salary will increase according to responsibilities and performance over time. The contract includes occupational health benefits, holiday bonus, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. Start time is negotiable but sooner is preferable.

Ready to apply?

To apply, please share your application with us through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) at the latest by 28 February 2026. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. We encourage you to apply early, as we will start reviewing candidates immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Please include the following attachments:

• Application cover letter
• Course transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with grades
• Curriculum Vitae (with the list of publications if you have)
• Description of Master’s thesis project
• References

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions.

For more information regarding the open position, please contact Professor Zachary Taylor, zachary.taylor@aalto.fi. Additional information in recruitment process related questions, please contact ELEC’s HR Advisor, hr-elec@aalto.fi.

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