Postdoc position in optical systems - DEEP

Universitat de Barcelona; España; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Universitat de Barcelona, Dynamic Optical Systems Lab, seeks a postdoc to advance non-invasive optical focusing in biological tissues. You will merge acoustic holograms with light-based methods to enable deep imaging and precise light delivery for surgical applications.

You will publish results, supervise students, and contribute to ERC project objectives, with salary negotiated by experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, optics, acoustics or engineering.
• Experience in optics or acoustics.
• Strong communication skills in English to work on an interdisciplinary project.

Responsibilities

• Combine acoustic holograms with light-based methods to advance the project.
• Optimize acoustic holograms for photon tagging and light guiding for laser surgery.
• Present research findings at conferences and prepare manuscripts and proposals.
• Supervise PhD and Master’s students and contribute to grant applications.

Skills

Optics

Acoustics

English communication

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Engineering

PhD in Optics/Acoustics

Job description

Organisation/Company Universitat de Barcelona Department OPIR Research Field Engineering Technology Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 9 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 16 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number 402228 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are offering a postdoc position within the framework of a European Research Council project (ERC-CoG DEEP).

The position is offered at the Dynamic Optical Systems Lab at Universitat de Barcelona.

The project aims to develop an innovative, non-invasive strategy to focus light deep within biological tissues and other scattering media, achieving high penetration depth and speed while preserving micrometric spatial confinement. By leveraging the deep penetration of ultrasound and its capability to locally modulate the optical properties of the sample, we have shown that in-situ virtual endoscopes that function as embedded optical lenses or waveguides within living tissue, enabling precise redirection of light toward deeper focal regions. The next step is to translate these advances into state-of-the-art optical systems tailored for biological applications.

The candidate’s primary responsibility will be to combine our recent advances in acoustic holograms with light-based methods. Specifically, the candidate will optimize acoustic holograms for photon tagging and light guiding and apply it for laser surgery and deep light imaging. The candidate will actively contribute to the group’s activities, present research findings at international conferences, prepare manuscripts and grant proposals, and supervise PhD and Master’s students.

Salary will be negotiated based on the candidate's expertise.

The application period is from 27 October to 9 November 2026, both inclusive.

Requirements

Research Field Engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Technology Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We are looking for a highly-motivated and academically curious team player with:

• A PhD in physics, optics, acoustics or engineering.
• Experience in optics or acoustics.
• Strong communication skills in both spoken and written English to work on an interdisciplinary project.

Specific Requirements

The ideal candidate should possess proficiency in these areas (but it is not required):

• Experience in designing optical systems - from hardware to software implementation, including FPGA controlling.
• Experience in handling biological samples.

Research Field EngineeringTechnologyPhysics Years of Research Experience 4 - 10

Additional Information

Selection process

The selection process consists of an initial evaluation of the candidates' CV, motivation letter and specific merits. The candidates deemed suitable for the position are then invited to an online interview.

Additional comments

Priority will be given to people with disabilities (Law 89/2015 of June 2, reserve of quota 2% in favour of people with disabilities in companies of 50 or more people).