Postdoctoral Position in laser-based chemical imaging - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

At the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics strong research is conducted in several different areas, such as energy technology, biomedical engineering and laser spectroscopy. For more information, see www.umu.se/en/department-of-applied-physics-and-electronics. 

We now have an immediate opening for a postdoctoral position to develop laser-based chemical imaging techniques. The position is a 2-year full-time employment with start date in early 2020. Application deadline is December 16, 2019.

Project description and working tasks
Chemical imaging plays an increasingly important role in biomedical research and life science. Novel light sources, such as quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), have the potential to revolutionize infrared chemical imaging by enabling significant improvements in spatial and spectral resolution, selectivity and analysis speed. 

The Applied Laser Spectroscopy Group (www.umu.se/en/research/groups/applied-laser-spectroscopy) works with the development and application of laser-based spectroscopic techniques for combustion and medical diagnostics. Recently, we used mid-infrared tunable diode laser spectroscopy to study gaseous carbon monoxide in exhaled breath (Appl. Phys. B, 123, 144, 2017, Opt. Express 25, 12743, 2017, J. Breath Res. 13, 026001, 2019). Carbon monoxide is an important cellular signaling molecule that may serve as biomarker for inflammatory and respiratory diseases. 

We are now looking for a postdoctor to work on the development of mid-infrared laser absorption and photothermal imaging for histology. To further explore the role of carbon monoxide, a specific aim is to make use of the mid-infrared transparency window around 2000 cm-1, where the radiation is not absorbed by the tissue, to study metal-carbonyl compounds and CO-releasing molecules in live cells. 

As postdoctor you will work in a creative and ambitious interdisciplinary environment. Collaboration partners include the Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics, where tactile sensors are used for the characterization of biological tissue, the University Hospital of Umeå, imaging platforms at the Chemical Biological Centre, and the Raman Spectroscopy Group at Luleå Technical University.

Qualifications
As applicant, you should have a sincere interest in developing optical imaging techniques and quantitative spectroscopic methods. 

The following qualifications are required:

• A PhD degree in physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering or other relevant discipline.
• Original publications in peer-reviewed journals in at least one of the above areas.
• Extensive experience with optical imaging techniques and image processing, both theoretically and experimentally.
• Ability to conduct research independently, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Good ability to co-operate.
• Excellent oral and written communication and scientific writing skills in English.

Desirable qualifications are:

• Documented knowledge in at least one of the following areas: hyperspectral or discrete frequency infrared imaging, mid-infrared laser absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optics or optical microscopy.
• Experience with tactile and mechanical sensors for biomedical applications.
• Evidence of conducting collaborative research in a multidisciplinary environment.

Application
A complete application includes:

• Personal letter including a 2-page statement of research interests and a motivation of why your expertise is appropriate for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) with complete list of scientific publications.
• An electronic copy of your PhD thesis and certified true copy of the doctoral degree certificate
• Documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades as well as other relevant degree certificates
• Copies of (max 5) original research publications relevant to the above topics, numbered according to the publication list.
• Names and contact information of three persons willing to act as referees.
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.

The application, including attached documents, must be written in English (preferred) or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents must be in PDF (preferred) or Word format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is December 16, 2019.

Further information
For further information, please contact Dr. Florian Schmidt, florian.schmidt@umu.se or Dr. Per Hallberg  (head of department), per.hallberg@umu.se.