Postdoctoral Research Associate in Advanced 3D Bioimaging

** What You Will Do*
* The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong background in optics to develop and apply advanced three-dimensional microscopy methods. The successful candidate will contribute to custom 3D tracking and light-sheet instruments designed to visualize individual antigen-antibody binding events. This highly interdisciplinary

position combines optical instrument development, hardware control, biological sample preparation, experimental design, and quantitative data analysis.

** Research Focus*
* The project will use new microscopy approaches to address scientific challenges relevant to pathogen detection, host-pathogen interactions, and algal biofuel development. The position offers the opportunity to work across optics, engineering, biophysics, and biological imaging within a collaborative national laboratory environment.

** Research Responsibilities*
* + Design, build, align, and optimize custom optical systems for 3D tracking and light-sheet microscopy.

+ Develop and integrate optomechanical hardware, detectors, and instrument-control software.

+ Plan and conduct experiments that visualize and quantify individual antigen-antibody binding events.

+ Prepare and functionalize microscopy samples, including slides and surfaces, and handle biological specimens such as bacteria and viruses.

+ Develop data-processing and analysis workflows for advanced imaging experiments.

+ Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* + A PhD in engineering, physics, biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. The degree must have been completed within the past five years or be completed before the appointment begins.

+ A strong background in optics, including experience designing optical layouts and performing precisionalignment.

+ Experience developing optomechanical hardware and instrument-control software.

+

Experience with basic laboratory sample preparation, including slide functionalization and solution preparation.

+ A demonstrated record of scientific achievement through peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively.

** Desired

Qualifications:

*
* +

Experience with single-photon detection methods, including single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors, time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC), or photon anti bunching measurements.

+ Experience developing instrument-control software and quantitative data-analysis workflows.

+

Experience with light-sheet microscopy or three-dimensional single-particle tracking.

+ Comfort working in a wet-laboratory environment, including synthesis and biological sample preparation.

** Work Environment:*
* *
* Work Location:

** The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

** Note to Applicants:*
* Submit a CV or résumé and a detailed cover letter through the LANL Jobs website. The cover letter should explain how your experience relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. After applying online, email the same materials to Dr. Duncan Ryan at ryand and Dr. Dean Morales at dmorales.

Postdoctoral program and benefits: LANL Postdoctoral Research Program

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