Optical Engineer – University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Job description
The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 16 research groups that perform excellent research centered on three themes: 1) Cell & Sytems Biology, 2) Neurosciences, and 3) Molecular Life Sciences. The research group “Innovative Microscopy Lab” investigates new optical methods to improve the resolution of the confocal microscope. In the current project we focus on the application of near infra-red re-scan confocal microscopy (NIR-RCM) for deep-tissue imaging. In this context we are seeking for an optical engineer with experience in adaptive optics and advanced microscopy.
In the Innovative Microscopy Lab we work on the development of Re-scan Confocal Microscopy (RCM). This is a simple method to obtain improved resolution in confocal microscopy. In this project we will investigate how the RCM performs in deep-tissue imaging applications such as imaging of brain- and tumour tissue. To do that we will use NIR single photon fluorescence RCM microscopy and adaptive optics in order to minimize scatter and optical aberrations. This research is part of a European collaboration project where academics and companies work together to develop innovative technology. The Dutch company in this collaboration, “Confocal.nl”, brings the RCM to the market.
The candidate has the task to build a new optical set-up containing adaptive optics components (SLM, deformable mirrors and -lenses) and high-speed scanners. The performance of the new set-up will be characterised and applied on real brain- and tumour tissue. The candidate has experience in optical design of the microscope and has preferentially experience in adaptive optics technology. This experience can be proven by a PhD thesis of master-thesis in this or related subject. Candidate has experience in programming and image acquisition/analysis. Candidate likes to work in a small group of enthusiastic researchers and like to collaborate with several companies.
Closing date: September 14, 2017
Further information: http://www.uva.nl/en/content/vacancies/2017/08/17-415-optical-engineer.html?M and www.academictransfer.com/42146