Postdoc: Custom Optical Microscopy for High-Throughput Screening

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop custom optics integrated with microfluidic ultra-high-throughput screening for label-free screening of phase separation in designed inorganic-protein hybrids.

The successful candidate will design, assemble and maintain advanced microscopes, train in microfluidics, and contribute to supervising PhD and Master’s students within the Knowles group in the Department of Chemistry.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline with strong optical engineering background.
• Experience building bespoke optical microscopes from components and detailing personal contributions.
• Knowledge of polarisation optics and practical alignment of polariser/analyser.
• Fluorescence optics experience including filtering and dichroic selection.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble and maintain microscopes integrating polarisation-resolved and fluorescence optics with microfluidic screening platforms.
• Collaborate with consortium partners to extend uHTS capabilities to inorganic-protein composites.
• Supervise PhD and Master’s students and assist maintenance of the group’s instruments.

Skills

Bespoke microscope build

Polarisation optics knowledge

Fluorescence optics knowledge

Microfluidics familiarity

Instrument alignment/characterisation

Education

PhD in Optical Engineering/Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science (related)

Tools

PhaseScan

Optical design software (e.g., Zemax)

Job description

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop custom optics integrated with microfluidic ultra-high-throughput screening for label-free screening of phase separation in designed inorganic-protein hybrids.

The successful candidate will design, assemble and maintain advanced microscopes, train in microfluidics, and contribute to supervising PhD and Master’s students within the Knowles group in the Department of Chemistry.