Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Multiphoton Endomicroscopy

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellow to develop a flexible, fiber-coupled multiphoton endomicroscope for in vivo brain imaging in freely moving mice. The project integrates advanced miniature scanners, photonics, and data acquisition to achieve high frame rates and deep tissue penetration.

The role requires a PhD in optics or related field and hands-on experience with ultrafast lasers, nonlinear optics, and fiber-based systems.

Qualifications

• PhD in optics, physics, mechanical/electrical/biomedical engineering, or related discipline required.
• Hands-on experience in nonlinear optics, photonic bandgap fibers, single- and multi-mode fibers, and optical breadboard development.
• Programming experience with CAD software, data acquisition, and instrument control is desirable.
• International investigators are welcome.
• Familiarity with optical/mechanical simulations and data acquisition is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, and characterize a compact fiber-coupled multiphoton endomicroscope with miniature scanners.
• Optimize optical delivery through fibers and miniature optics for sub-cellular resolution in vivo.
• Implement random-access and vertical-plane imaging modes with high frame rates and improved SNR.
• Collaborate with engineers and neuroscience partners on in vivo validation in mice.
• Contribute to system integration, data acquisition software, and translational activities within the imaging Center.

Skills

Ultrafast lasers

Nonlinear optics

Fiber optics

Data acquisition

Communication skills

Education

PhD in optics or related field

Tools

Zemax

MATLAB

LabVIEW

SolidWorks

3D printing

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Multiphoton Endomicroscopy

National Center for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB)

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Employer Description

PI: Thomas D. Wang, MD, PhD, University of Michigan

The Wang Lab is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to develop a flexible, fiber-coupled multi-photon endomicroscope for in vivo imaging of neuronal activity in the brain of freely moving animals. This work supports the NIH-funded National Center for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB/P41). The instrument uses distal microsystems scan mechanisms based on high-density thin-film PZT materials and parametric resonance mechanisms to perform beam scanning with deep tissue penetration and addressable regions-of-interest (ROIs) at high frame rates. The scanners introduce equal but opposite aberrations (phase shifts) in a polarized excitation beam to enable large axial displacements of the focus with minimal optical aberrations. This design supports optical sectioning in both vertical and horizontal planes in a compact, lightweight package suitable for head-mounted or implantable use. Miniature dimensions reduce invasiveness and maximize freedom of movement while allowing neuronal activity to be monitored over time in substantial brain volumes at high sampling rates, or within localized user-defined ROIs. Random-access control enables high spatiotemporal resolution at arbitrary ROIs within the full image volume, with rapid transitions between wide-field and narrow-field imaging to increase frame rate and/or signal-to-noise in the target region.

Key responsibilities

• Design, assemble, and characterize a compact fiber-coupled multiphoton endomicroscope that integrates miniature scanners for aberration-corrected axial scanning and random-access beam steering.
• Optimize optical delivery through photonic bandgap and single-/multi-mode fibers, miniature optics, and polarized excitation paths to achieve sub-cellular resolution with deep tissue penetration.
• Implement and validate random-access and vertical-plane imaging modes that support high frame rates and improved SNR in user-defined ROIs.
• Collaborate with microsystems/optics engineers and neuroscience collaborators on packaging, in vivo validation in freely behaving mice.
• Contribute to system integration, data acquisition/control software, characterization on optical tables, and translational activities within the P41 Imaging Center.

Requirements

Candidates with a Ph.D. in optics, physics, mechanical/electrical/biomedical engineering, or a related discipline, and with hands-on experience in nonlinear optics, photonic bandgap fibers, single- and multi-mode fibers, and optical breadboard development are invited to apply. Programming experience with CAD software, data acquisition, and instrument control is desired. International investigators are welcome. Relevant skills include:

• Experience with ultra-fast lasers and multiphoton systems
• Proficiency with Zemax optical design software and ray-trace simulations
• Hands-on experience with miniature optics and fiber-coupled nonlinear optical systems
• Knowledge of mechanical design, system assembly, prototyping, machining, and 3D printing
• Familiarity with micro-precision tools and equipment
• Expertise in data acquisition and control of electro- and/or opto-mechanical components
• Competence in programming languages such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, and/or SolidWorks
• Excellent organizational and communication skills

Research environment

The University of Michigan is an ideal training ground for postdocs who want to further develop their skills in pursuit of a career in academia or industry. Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and in compliance with NIH guidelines. The Wang Laboratory is located in the Biomedical Science Research Building (BSRB) on the University of Michigan medical campus. The facility is equipped with a Spectra-Physics Insight X3 (<100 fs, 680–1300 nm) and MaiTai HP DS (<100 fs, 690–1040 nm) ultra-fast lasers with DeepSee dispersion compensation, and an Olympus FV1000MPE twin multi-photon intravital microscope for 2- and 3-photon imaging. An Opotek Phocus laser (~150 mJ at 800 nm) with optical parametric oscillator (OPO), an Edgewave diode-pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, and an Endra Nexus 128 tomography system are available for photoacoustic imaging. A number of solid-state diode lasers with excitation over the visible and NIR spectrum can be used for confocal imaging. There are 4 optical tables with a variety of mounts, positioners, and stages for development of prototype flexible fiber-coupled endomicroscopes, located in 3 laboratory modules (~450 sq ft each). A wide range of equipment, including function generators, spectrometer, laser beam profiler, optical spectrum analyzer, oscilloscopes, photomultiplier tube (PMT) detectors, and power supplies, is available for use. Software including Zemax, SolidWorks, MATLAB, and LabVIEW is used for optical and mechanical simulations and data acquisition. Additional imaging systems include the LI-COR Pearl Trilogy NIR fluorescence and Ultrasonix ultrasound imaging systems. This modern biomedical optics research facility is conveniently located near the Lurie Nanofabrication Facility (LNF), a state-of-the-art microfabrication facility for development of miniature scan mechanisms, and the Michigan Medicine Medical Procedures Unit (MPU), where the fiber-coupled endomicroscopes are clinically translated.