Full time - fixed term contact from 1 June 2018 - 31 May 2020

The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the construction of a fast-scanning multi-photon fluorescence microscope for biomedical imaging. This EPSRC funded post is available 01/06/18 to 31/05/2020. The successful applicant will be responsible for the construction and optical alignment of the microscope as well as the software control of the active optical elements used to obtain rapid three-dimensional scans of excitable cell networks.

The post will include:

• Precision optical alignment and characterisation of a multiphoton light sheet microscope with active focus control.
• Simulating the performance of the optical design using software tools such as ZEMAX and MATLAB. Applying the microscope to the acquisition of three-dimensional data sets of excitable cell networks in biological specimens (e.g. zebrafish embryos).
• Writing custom scripts (MATLAB) that will process three-dimensional data sets to identify patterns of activity for different pathological models. 
• Writing scientific papers aimed at high impact journals.
• Attending conferences to present the outcomes of the research project.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the field of applied optics to develop novel research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

Applicants will be able to demonstrate:

• In-depth knowledge of optics and photonics.
• Experience of developing instrumentation control software (LabView or similar) 
• Proficient coding skills in MATLAB, Python or similar.
• Experience of problem solving in complex systems.
• Interest in biomedical imaging.
• A record of publications in academic journals.

Please ensure you read our Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role. For full details please click here

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly.
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development.
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career.
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

For further information please contact Dr Alex Corbett, e-mail a.corbett@ex.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 723358.

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer, an Athena Swan accredited institution and a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.