Microscopy platform of the University Research Priority Program (URPP) Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (AdaBD)
Research Associate in Optics and Multiphoton Microscopy 80 - 100 %
Start of employment January 2025The mesoSPIM Platform is a microscopy innovation platform, run by the URPP AdaBD and the Center for Microscopy and Data Analysis (ZMB) at the University of Zurich. The platform is also embedded within the research group of Prof. Fritjof Helmchen at the Brain Research Institute. We are an open-source initiative with the mission to make light-sheet microscopy of cleared tissues available to every researcher who needs it (see: The mesoSPIM initiative). We develop custom light-sheet microscopes, provide documentation and instructions how to build and use them, offer training and support, and provide services in tissue clearing. In the next years, we are planning to expand our R&D to other microscope types, with a focus on next-generation multiphoton microscopes to advance structural and functional imaging of the brain. For this reason we are seeking an expert to augment our team!
Your responsibilities
As a member of the microscopy innovation platform you will be responsible for:
- R&D in custom multiphoton microscopy, such as the Schmidt microscope (Voigt et al, 2024), objective collar (Engelbrecht et al, 2009 ), and other projects, including deep-brain 3P imaging with adaptive optics (deformable mirrors and SLMs).
- Co-development, testing and documentation of the next-generation mesoSPIM microscope.
- Extensive testing and detailed documentation of the new microscopy projects (see examples above).
- Publishing the new designs in peer-reviewed journals and on github.
- Helping researchers with optics, imaging, and software-related requests.
- User training and support for the newly developed microscopes.
- Participation in research seminars and meetings (2-3 meeting per week on average).
- Participation in teaching and outreach events (3-4 events per year on average).
Your profile
The ideal candidate should have background in physics, optics, mathematics or engineering, with a PhD or at least 3 years of experience in building and operating custom multi-photon microscopes.
- Solid understanding of ultrafast lasers, pulse compression techniques, and PMTs/APDs.
- Understanding of DAQ and ability to program/control new devices with custom code using Matlab or Python.
- Experience in adaptive optics (DMs and LC-SLMs) would be an advantage.
- Demonstrated track of publishing peer-reviewed microscopy-related papers.
- Experience in Matlab and Python, maintaining clean code and documentation, and familiarity with Git workflow.
- Experience in disseminating open-source hardware and software would be an advantage.
- Experience with optical simulations (eg Zemax) would be an advantage.
- Curiosity and experiment-driven mindset.
- Good time-management skills to tackle either short (several months) or long (several years) projects, independently or in collaboration with the users.
- Good communication skills to support users of the new microscopes, improve systems based on user feedback, and report results to the stakeholders.
Information on your application
Please submit your cover letter and CV as one PDF file by October 15, 2024 at the latest.What we offer
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Questions about the job
Nikita Vladimirov, PhD Head of the Microscopy Platform
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Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
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