Research Associate in Advanced Optical Microscope Development

About the role

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position to develop a novel microscopy platforms incorporating advanced single photon counting avalanche diode (SPAD) detector arrays for fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy utilising both super-resolution and light sheet imaging methodologies.

This Wellcome funded project focuses on how metabolism can be investigated using a range of microscopy methods, including fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and optical coherence techniques for a variety of biological systems. You will work collaboratively as one of five multidisciplinary postdoctoral researchers to develop microscope technology across length-scales from the molecular to whole organ with an emphasis on functional Imaging in three dimensions using a bespoke analysis environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for further development of two microscopy systems, integrating new SPAD sensors, and liaising with team members and collaborators to co-create instrumentation, analysis environments and undertake imaging experiments on single-cell and 3D culture models.

The successful applicant must have attained a PhD degree in Physics, Engineering, or related subject and must have extensive prior experience in both optical design and microscopy development. Previous knowledge and experience in the development of bespoke microscopy platforms (i.e. fluorescence light-sheet, confocal or multi-photon) are essential for this position. The candidate will be required to utilise high powered femtosecond laser sources, assist in the design of bespoke optics and incorporate state-of-the-art detector technologies into existing microscope platforms.

The appointee will be expected to work in an interdisciplinary team at the life sciences interface, co-ordinating with physics and biological collaborators and providing leadership to junior researchers. They will be responsible for the delivery of internationally competitive research with emphasis placed on highly motivated, team-oriented, creative individuals able to independently tackle original scientific projects.

Additional experience in programming (Python, Matlab, C++) and image data analysis is desired. Excellent communication skills are essential, and you should be keen to develop project/team leadership skills, and to establish bridges between the physical and life sciences. There may also be additional opportunities to engage in a range of complementary projects, to further explore and grow your own research interests and portfolio.

This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered  a fixed term contract for 1 year with the opportunity to extend.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria 

• BSc in Physics, Engineering or related subject
• Ph.D. in Optics, Physics, Engineering or related subject (either completed or submitted)
• Highly skilled in both optical and mechanical design
• Knowledge and experience in both the construction and use of bespoke optical microscopy platforms (i.e. multi-photon, fluorescence light-sheet, confocal)
• Flexible and collaborative
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to high quality research

Desirable criteria

• Experience in Fluorescence lifetime imaging Microscopy (FLIM)
• Programming and computational analysis
• Good presentation skills
• Enthusiasm for biophysics and cell biology
• Tenacity to conduct a project 

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