Postdoctoral Fellow in Optical Imaging Instrument Development

Postdoctoral Fellow
University of New Mexico
Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico (UNM) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position in optical imaging instrument development. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is located within a new (Fall 2019), state-of-the-art research facility, the Physics and Astronomy and Interdisciplinary Science (PAÍS) building.

Job Description

A postdoctoral research fellowship in the area of microscope-development is available in the Chakraborty Lab (chakra.unm.edu) in UNM’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Owing to its close collaborations with the Health Sciences and Biology department, this position will provide an outstanding environment for developing and translating new medical imaging technologies with applications in basic research.  Historically, imaging cellular architecture in tissue required cutting thin slices. Recent development in tissue clearing and multiphoton microscopy has led to increased capability of performing histological investigations in intact tissue. Chakraborty lab is involved in development of novel microscopy tools and experimental strategies that enable quantitative imaging of such cellular/sub-cellular interactions in intact tissues.

The fellowship will focus on advancing state-of-the-art in microscope development techniques to solve challenging problems in biomedical imaging. Working closely in a multi-disciplinary environment, the candidate will be responsible for developing new and transformative lightsheet based imaging platforms that have direct impact in health sciences and biomedical imaging in general. The specific aim of the fellowship can be tailored to meet individual goals, which will provide an opportunity to build research, training-grants and publication experience.  The initial term of employment is one year, but can be renewed upon satisfactory performance for up to three years.

Representative recent publications:

• Chakraborty, Tonmoy, et al. "Light-sheet microscopy of cleared tissues with isotropic, subcellular resolution." Nature methods 16.11 (2019): 1109-1113.
• Chakraborty, Tonmoy, et al. "Converting lateral scanning into axial focusing to speed up three-dimensional microscopy." Light: Science & Applications 9.1 (2020): 1-12.
• Chen, Bingying, et al. "Extended depth of focus multiphoton microscopy via incoherent pulse splitting." Biomedical Optics Express 11.7 (2020): 3830-3842.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• PhD in Computer Science or Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field by date of appointment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience building optical instruments and/or imaging platforms
• An in depth understanding of imaging techniques and hands-on experience on imaging biological samples
• Expertise in: image processing and analysis (ImageJ, Arivis/Imaris, Matlab), CAD softwares (Adobe Inventor/Autocad/Solidworks), instrument-control (Matlab/LabView)
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities

Applicants must submit an application through UNM Jobs at https://hr.unm.edu/unmjobs (posting number req15236).  A complete application consists of a CV and a cover letter describing any previous research training and specific areas of interest, as well as the contact information for three letters of reference (including email address and telephone number). Address correspondence to Dr. Tonmoy Chakraborty.  Any enquiries should also be directed to Professor Tonmoy Chakraborty at tchakraborty@unm.edu.

The University of New Mexico is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Educator.  Qualified women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.