Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Multiphoton Endomicroscopy
Wang Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Employer Description:
PI: Thomas D Wang, MD,PhD, University of Michigan
Project goal is to develop a flexible fiber-coupled multiphoton endomicroscope to perform in vivo imaging in the brain of freely moving animals to monitor neuronal activity.
Post-doctoral research opportunities are available in the Wang Lab at the University of Michigan to join a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team to develop a fiber-coupled, implantable multi-photon endomicroscope for 3D imaging in freely-behaving mice. A microsystems scan mechanism based on high density thin-film PZT materials will be used to perform beam scanning with deep tissue penetration and addressable regions-of-interest (ROI) at high frame rates. These miniature instruments will allow for neuronal activity to be monitored over time in substantial brain volumes with high sampling rates and in localized user-defined regions. Application of random-access control enables high spatiotemporal resolution at arbitrary ROI within the full image volume. Rapid transitions can be achieved between imaging regions (i.e. wide-field to narrow-field and vice versa) for increased frame rate and/or increased signal-to-noise in the target ROI. Miniature scan mechanisms support small packing dimensions to reduce invasiveness and maximize freedom of movement.
Requirements: Candidates with a Ph.D. in optics, physics, mechanical/electrical/biomedical engineering, or a related discipline 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 the following:
· Experience with ultra-fast lasers
· Proficiency with Zemax optical design software and ray trace simulations
· Hands-on experience with miniature optics.
· Knowledge in mechanical design, system assembly, prototyping, machining, and 3D printing.
· Familiarity with the latest tools and equipment used in micro precision work.
· 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 committed to diversity and equality in education and employment, and 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 equipped with DeepSee dispersion compensation and a Olympus FV1000MPE twin multi-photon intra-vital microscope for 2 and 3 photon imaging. A Opotek Phocus laser (~150 mJ at 800 nm) with optical parametric oscillator (OPO), 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 that contain a variety of mounts, positioners, and stages for development of prototype flexible fiber-coupled endomicroscopes located in 3 laboratory modules ~450 sq ft in size. A wide range of equipment, including function generators, spectrometer, laser beam profiler, optical spectrum analyzer, oscilloscopes, photomultiplier tube (PMT) detectors, and power supplies are available for use. Software, including Zemax, Solid Works, Matlab, and Labview, is used to perform optical and mechanical simulations and data acquisition. LI-COR Pearl Trilogy NIR fluorescence, Ultrasonix ultrasound imaging system, and. This modern biomedical optics research facility is conveniently located near the Lurie Nano Fabrication (LNF) facility, a state of the art microfabrication facility for development of miniature scan mechanisms and the Michigan Medicine Medical Procedures Unit (MPU) where the endomicroscopes are clinically translated.
Candidates should submit CV and contact information by email:
Thomas D. Wang, M.D.,Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering
H. Marvin Pollard Collegiate Professor of Endoscopy Research
University of Michigan
109 Zina Pitcher Pl. BSRB 1522
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200
Email: tdwangmd@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/wang_lab