Post-Doctoral Research Assistant - UOD1694

At the Computational Microscopy lab we develop novel imaging methods that push the boundaries of optical microscopy by combining computational methods with unconventional optics and photonics. Our research group is embedded within the Biomedical Imaging and Technology research cluster at the Physics department of the School of Science and Engineering and the interdisciplinary Centre for Medical Engineering and Technology.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop the next generation of light-sheet microscopes for biomedical imaging. The successful candidate will be involved in all steps of the process, from design to implementation and application. The central aim of this research is to overcome the imaging depth limit of biological microscopy. Inhomogeneities affect the path of the light wave entering and exiting the fluorescent specimen of interest, thus preventing a sharp, high resolution, image. This multi-disciplinary project fuses computational imaging and adaptive optics in microscopy, as well as the further development of existing systems with a range of modalities such as light-sheet microscopy, structured illumination, phase co ntrast, and confocal microscopy. While the initial research will be conducted in our computational microscopy lab, its application is to study developmental biology in collaboration with our collaborators at the School of Life Sciences.

The appointment will be made on the University of Dundee postdoctoral salary Grade 7 scale for 1 year plus superannuation with initial placement depending on achievements and experience. UKRI can support applications for a Global Talent visa.

Your priorities will include:

• Design, construction, and alignment of optical imaging systems. Including optics, mechanics, interfacing, as well as the development of software for instrument control and data processing.
• Develop and adapt a large code base to simulate experiments and to process and analyse experimental data.
• Critical analysis of experimental data, testing of hypotheses, and the production of publication-ready figures.
• Advice and support junior group members on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Disseminating your research by writing journal articles and conference presentations.

Who we’re looking for:

• A PhD in physics, engineering, or related discipline, and a track record of scientific publications.
• Demonstrable experience with the independent design and implementation of optical set-ups for imaging and interferometry. A solid understanding of coherence, interference, and polarisation.
• Demonstrable experience developing and maintaining software to simulate complex optical systems, control experiments, and to rigorously analyse the experimental data.
• The ability to work independently. Evidence of initiative in the formulation, planning, and implementation of research activities. Capable of managing own academic research and associated activities to meet deadlines.
• The ability to work flexibly as part of a cross-disciplinary collaborative research team.

We are one of the UK’s leading universities, internationally recognised for our breakthroughs in science, medicine, and engineering. Conveniently located on the banks of River Tay, our city-centre campus is at the heart of Dundee — an up-and-coming, friendly, compact and affordable city with a rich heritage in design and technology.

Contact: Tom Vettenburg <t.vettenburg@dundee.ac.uk>.

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