CRYSTALLINE PhD position - Deployable nonlinear high-resolution microscopy for biological and medical applications (f/m/d)

19 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Silicon Austria Labs

Department

Human Resources

Research Field

Physics » Optics
Physics » Chemical physics
Physics » Biophysics
Physics » Applied physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Austria

Application Deadline

29 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Vienna)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38.5

Offer Starting Date

1 Jul 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

HE / MSCA COFUND

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Microscopy based on non-linear processes, including multi-photon fluorescence from intrinsic chromophores, second- and third-harmonic generation, has large potential for biomedical and clinical applications. Particularly interesting are non-invasive or minimally invasive applications, which have the potential to replace conventional diagnostic approaches, e.g., biopsy.
Major challenges of such techniques are (i) achieving a satisfactory and minimally invasive light delivery and collection, which is complicated by light absorption from tissues, (ii) achieving sufficient resolution to identify (sub-) cellular features, and (iii) developing a robust system at an affordable cost.
In this thesis, the PhD student will develop a miniaturized microscope probe, based on MEMS micromirrors, for simultaneous time-resolved three-photon fluorescence and third-harmonic generation. In particular, the PhD student will:
1. Develop the optical setup and associated data acquisition, including:
     a. developing suitable light delivery and collection compatible with standard Yb lasers;
     b. developing of suitable detection schemes for time-resolved fluorescence;
     c. employing Bessel beams for higher penetration depth and resolution.
2. Demonstrate performance on biologically relevant samples.
3. Implement solutions for further miniaturization and development towards clinical applications.
4. Present results in high-impact scientific journals and international conferences.

The PhD thesis will be supported by the infrastructure available at SAL, including optical design software, suitable short-pulse light sources and equipment for professional optical micro-assembly.  The PhD student will be supervised by SAL staff, with long experience in non-linear optics and in the design and implementation of optical systems.

Requirements

Research Field

All

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics or closely related field with a strong background in optics and nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, microscopy or biophotonics.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, electronic measurement devices and optical setups. Practical experience with microscopy is an advantage.
• Good programming skills (e.g. Python, Matlab,...), especially hardware interfacing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently, be well organised, produce high quality documents and meet deadlines.  
• Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills .
• Enthusiasm for developing new ideas and a positive attitude towards new challenges. 
• Familiarity with MS-Office tools like Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Project experience and/or publications in related fields are beneficial.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

In order for a JS candidate to be eligible for CRYSTALLINE, she or he has to comply with the MSCA-COFUND Doctoral Program (DP) eligibility rules, specific CRYSTALLINE application requirements, and with fundamental ethic principles.

The MSCA-COFUND DP rules require
researchers to (i) be doctoral candidates, i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the call deadline (whereas researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible), and to (ii) meet the MSCA mobility rule, i.e., have not resided and/or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Austria for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the call deadline (time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention is not taken into account).

The CRYSTALLINE application requirements are met if an applicant (i) holds a master’s degree in a technical discipline, (ii) provides a complete set of application documents, and (iii) complies with the submission rules for the application documents as laid out at the CRYSTALLINE website.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

9

Company/Institute

Silicon Austria Labs GmbH

Country

Austria

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://research-network.silicon-austria.com/about-crystalline/

Contact

State/Province

Steiermark

City

Graz

Website

https://silicon-austria-labs.com

Street

Sandgasse 34

Postal Code

8010

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED