Fully Funded PhD: 3D Vectorial Microscopy for Collagen

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Exeter in the Physics department invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on structured light and 3D vectorial control of focal fields. You will design, build and program an ultrafast nonlinear microscope to shape the full 3D vector of a light field at the objective focal, enabling reading molecular organisation in tissue via pSHG.

Supervision by Prof Dave Phillips and Dr Ben Sherlock, funded by EPSRC, with annual stipend of £21,805 for 2026/7.

Qualifications

• Experience in optical design and lab alignment for ultrafast nonlinear microscopy.
• Familiarity with polarization control and vectorial field concepts.
• Proficiency in Python for instrument control and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, build and programming of an ultrafast nonlinear microscope.
• Implement SLM/DMD wavefront and polarization shaping.
• Model vectorial focal fields and apply Jones/Stokes/Mueller formalisms.
• Analyse SHG readouts in 3D collagen structures using Python.

Skills

Optical design

Lab alignment

Nonlinear optics

Vectorial focal-field modelling

Python programming

Tools

Spatial Light Modulator (SLM)

DMD

Job description

The University of Exeter in the Physics department invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on structured light and 3D vectorial control of focal fields. You will design, build and program an ultrafast nonlinear microscope to shape the full 3D vector of a light field at the objective focal, enabling reading molecular organisation in tissue via pSHG.

Supervision by Prof Dave Phillips and Dr Ben Sherlock, funded by EPSRC, with annual stipend of £21,805 for 2026/7.