PhD/Postdoctoral/Senior Research Scientist Positions- See All Categories Below

PhD and Postdoctoral positions (multi-year positions with opportunities for career development to be independent investigators) are available in the Das Laboratory Candidates from all areas of science and engineering with relevant experience are welcome to apply. Contact Prof. Das (mdas@uh.edu) for additional information. For details on applying for PhD positions on all topics (1-4 listed below) see #5

1)Bioelectricity/Biomagnetism/Bioelectronics/Photodynamic/Biomechanics/Cancer Research

 New and exciting projects to work on new interdisciplinary projects on bioelectricity, biomagnetism, photodynamic therapy, and bioelectronics for cancer research.

a) Computational/numerical Methods and Models: Requires experience with modeling, simulations or high-performance computing involving electrodynamics, finite difference methods, and rapid prototyping to explore external field (optical/electric/magnetic/ultrasound/thermal) interactions with matter or biological systems (cells/tissue). Those with relevant experience in other areas of science and engineering but with an interest in applying their expertise to develop new methods for bio-photonics, photon therapy, biophysical and cancer technologies are highly encouraged to apply.    

b) Experimental (two positions): 1) Experience with developing electronics, optical, mechanical, electric, and magnetic field-related research, optics, and photonics for biological research. We are seeking those who can work well both independently and collaboratively with experience in rapid prototyping and hands-on skills to develop new methods and systems. 2) Experience in cell culture, animal models, microscopy system development, and cellular level or small-animal investigations for cancer research.

2) X-Ray CT or Optical Phase Contrast, Photon Counting Detectors, Spectral CT, Quantitative Multi-modality Imaging                                (PET/SPECT/US/MRI/Diffuse Optical/Thermal) 

We will develop the science and engineering principles to advance X-ray optics and imaging along with quantitative and multi-parametric information from multi-modality and advanced imaging systems.

NIH-funded projects on benchtop experimental/ prototype imaging system development and algorithms for advanced and multi-modality imaging. Work on system designs, physics models, computation, benchtop experiments with small animals, and clinical translation. 

Experience preferred: X-ray CT, phase contrast and phase retrieval, photon counting detectors, image reconstruction methods, multimodality platforms (including any of the following: PET, SPECT, MRI, US, Optical, Thermal imaging), phantom or small animal imaging, quantitative imaging, imaging biomarkers, radiomics. Both experimental and

computational positions available.

Skills preferred include any of these: Monte Carlo simulations, benchtop and prototype imaging system design,

Excellent programming skills, Medipix/Timepix detectors, analytical models, forward, and inverse problems, and prototype system development for clinical translation. 

3) Image Science, Psychophysics, Perception, Eye-Tracking, Image Texture 

Computational methods assess image quality from the perspective of benefiting human observers' (like radiologists) ability to detect and classify signals in complex biomedical images. This includes eye tracking studies, working with simulated and clinical data, understanding optimal system design through task-based assessment (ROC, LROC studies), and image texture analysis using second-order statistical texture features. Our recent work also examines developing models for visual and optical illusions that might enhance signal detection in complex images.

Necessary skills: Programming, careful data analysis, high-performance computing, shell scripting (c, bash), medical imaging

Candidates with a recent PhD or those anticipating Ph.D. (all relevant areas of science and engineering) in the upcoming year are encouraged to apply for the postdoctoral positions. Opportunities exist for working with industrial and clinical collaborators as well as in developing creative and independent future career paths. Candidates are expected to work closely with graduate and undergraduate students.  Those with extensive publications and research experience will also be considered for senior research positions. Please contact Prof. Mini Das (mdas@uh.edu) directly with your CV and briefly describe your research interests and goals in the email.  

4) Collaborative Project and Joint Positions with Gifford Lab (UH)

We are collaborating with Dr. Howard Gifford in developing mathematical models for observer variability. For this collaborative project please contact Das (mdas@uh.edu) and Gifford (hgifford@uh.edu)

Description for Gifford R01: The position is funded by a new NIH R01 grant with the objective of developing low-resource statistical models that can reliably mimic the performance of expert readers in imaging trials involving complex target detection and estimation tasks. Models that can operate with relatively sparse training requirements would be useful in the evaluation of diagnostic imaging technology at all stages of development and application. Our project is principally focused on problems in radiography (CT, DBT) and nuclear medicine.

 5) PhD Fellowships

 For PhD fellowships, an admission to ECE, BME or Physics departments at UH is required to join Das group (Please contact Dr. Das if you are interested). Both experimental and computational projects are available. Those applying for other departments (mechanical Engineering/CS/Biochemistry/mechanical engineering) can also contact regarding collaborative funding between the Das group and another faculty member in the corresponding department at UH. 

Funding support is available for multiple years for all levels and with a flexible start date. These positions offer competitive salaries and benefits. The salary range is based on qualifications, publications, and relevant experience. Our lab website is at https://sites.google.com/nsm.uh.edu/ipl/home. 

Houston is an affordable and truly international/multicultural city with large medical schools, a petroleum industry, and other industrial employment opportunities nearby. The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Additionally, the University prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Undergraduate Fellowships are available for 2024 summer. See our past (2023) announcement below. Undergraduate students from all areas of science and engineering are welcome to contact Dr. Mini Das to inquire abour projects.