Postdoctoral Research Assistant — Computational Microscopy

Reporting to: T. Vettenburg

Grade 7, Salary £36,024 – 40,521

Full time Initial term: 24 months

Role

We are recruiting 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 in biological microscopy. Inhomogeneities within biological samples 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 contrast, 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 plus superannuation with initial placement depending on achievements and experience. The appointment as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant on the Grade 7 salary scale is conditional upon you being awarded a PhD. An appointment may be considered if you are shortly expected to be awarded a PhD.

We are one of the UK’s leading universities – internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine, and engineering, amongst many others. Conveniently located on the banks of River Tay, our main 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.

Responsibilities:

• The design, construction, and alignment of optical imaging systems. This includes 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.
• Dissemination of your research by writing journal articles and presenting at international conferences.

Selection Criteria:

• A track record of scientific publication commensurate with experience. The successful candidate must have completed, or be close to completing, a PhD in physics, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience with the independent design and implementation of optical set-ups for imaging and interferometry. A solid understanding of coherence, interference, and polarisation, both in theory and practice.
• Demonstrable experience developing and maintaining software codes to simulate complex optical systems, to control experiments, and to rigorously analyse the experimental data you obtain.
• 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 independently solve complex problems through research and experimentation.
• The ability to work flexibly as part of a cross-disciplinary collaborative research team. Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written.

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