Postdoc in Tip-enhanced Raman Scattering and Nonlinear Microscopy

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering promotes research and education for sustainable development, for improved health and quality of life. Our research ranges from natural science and bioscience, applied chemistry and biotechnology to chemical engineering. Our educational programs are characterized by technological solutions for improving people’s everyday life, and are continuously developed for meeting and promoting societal and industrial development.

We have approximately 400 employees, divided into five research divisions and one administrative unit. We are situated at campus Johanneberg.

Our department is characterized by stimulation of world leading research, in an environment where people develop and create new knowledge.Information about the division
The aim of our research is to develop novel microscopy techniques where we can map 3D distributions of biomolecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins in living cells and hydrated, soft materials/tissues without the need for invasive sample preparation or exogenous label molecules, hence, allowing us to monitor bio-chemical processes under a biologically more relevant conditions than what current microscopy techniques allow. We form images of spatial variations in chemically specific, inherent vibrations in electron orbitals (Second and Third Harmonic Generation; SHG & THG) or molecular bonds (Raman, Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering and Stimulated Raman Scattering; CARS & SRS) by probing them with pico-second short laser pulses. By further implementing a nanometre-sized scanning probe, we aim to achieve nanometre resolution. To the most important applications belong
 
A) Investigations of the molecular mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's), protein misfolding and interaction with lipid bilayers, models of three-dimensional neural networks
B) Studies of tissue-mimicking biopolymer matrices, stem cell differentiation and their formation into three-dimensional artificial tissues, 3D tissue models for drug screening
C) Lipid storage and metabolism in living cells and organisms 
D) Fundamental investigations and applications of multi-photon excited plasmons in metallic nano-structures

Our research environment consists of a pico-second pulsed laser lab, two microscope setups for multi-photon excited fluorescence and non-linear microscopy, single-photon counting detectors, a high-sensitivity spectrometer, CCD camera, Atomic Force Microscope, Scanning probe microscope, cell culturing facility and a sample preparation lab.

Major responsibilities
1+1 years post-doc/senior scientist position for the implementation of a novel approach of Tip-enhanced Raman Scattering (TERS) and Nonlinear Microscopy using pico-second pulsed laser excitation and either spectral or time-gated single wavelength detection. Definition of ideal tip geometry, excitation powers/geometry, possible resolution and molecular specificity. Compare with mass spectrometry imaging in collaboration with Prof. Andrew Ewing's group. Apply it for the monitoring of e.g. protein misfolding in cell membrane-mimicking lipid bilayers as a disease model for Alzheimer's disease and its impact on living neurons/astrocytes.
 
Task and methods will include: optimize scanning probe setup and parameters, design of scanning probes suitable for pulsed excitation, optimize detection geometry for spectral and single wavelength detection, test different approaches of nonlinear tip-enhanced microscopy along with TERS. The work will be primarily experimental. Benchmark resolution and molecular specificity. Compare with Mass spectrometry imaging before and after sample preparation.  Measurements on an Alzheimer's disease model. Become an expert on tip-enhanced nonlinear microscopy. Aim for publications in the high-impact literature and give a presentation at least one conference/year. If the candidate is capable of attracting research funds for the project after two year, an extension of the position can take place. 

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
MSc in Physics, Photonics, Nanosciences, Physical Chemistry, and/or Biophysics.

PhD in TERS microscopy, Raman microscopy and/or scanning probe microscopy the degree should generally not be older than three years. Experience of working with pulsed lasers and nonlinear optics is beneficial.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20130250 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.

Application deadline: November 30, 2013

For questions, please contact:
Assoc. Prof. Annika Enejder, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, enejder@chalmers.se, +46 31-772 3840





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