4 Postdoctoral Positions Available at the Vanderbilt Biomedical Photonics Laboratories, Nashville, TN

Postdoctoral Positions Available at the Vanderbilt Biomedical Photonics Laboratories, Nashville, TN

Four positions are currently available in Biomedical Photonics Laboratories at Vanderbilt University under Drs.

Anita Mahadevan-Jansen and Melissa Skala. We are seeking recent PhDs with expertise in biomedical optical

instrumentation and tissue optics. A doctoral degree with training in Physics/Chemistry/Biomedical Engineering

is preferred but other disciplines will also be considered. The positions require close interaction with basic

scientists as well as clinicians and therefore a confident but pleasant approach is a must. Biomedical experience

with optical spectroscopy/imaging, optical design and data analysis will be preferred. Some expertise working

with cells/tissues/animals will be sought but is not required. Good written and oral communications are essential

for all positions. Eligible candidates will take the lead on the funded project and will also be encouraged to

formulate their own research ideas and will be provided infrastructure and mentoring for independent funding.

 

1) Metabolic imaging and drug response: This project involves the development of molecular imaging tools,

and testing these tools on biological systems ranging from cell culture, to animal models, to clinical

samples. Techniques used include fluorescence lifetime imaging, multi-photon microscopy and

hyperspectral imaging. The ultimate goal is to use this technique to streamline drug development in preclinical

settings, and to inform clinical decisions regarding the course of treatment in cancer. Specific

skills for this project include growing cell and tissue cultures, imaging and quantitative data analysis.

 

2) Molecular Optical Coherence Tomography: This project involves optical device development, incorporation

of nanotechnology, and testing these imaging systems on pre-clinical models ranging from cell culture to

animal models. The ultimate goal is to use photothermal OCT to monitor drug delivery and drug action in preclinical systems. Specific skills needed for this project include nanotechnology, signal analysis and working

with animal models.

 

3) Breast margin assessment with SORS: This project is focused on the development of spatially offset

Raman spectroscopy (SORS) for the assessment of margins in breast tumor resection. This project

includes development of a clinical grade instrument and detailed testing of the device as well as clinical

studies on the ability of Raman spectroscopy for breast applications. Specific skills for this project include

statistical data processing and analysis, optical design and clinical testing.

 

4) Near-infrared fluorescence imaging during endocrine surgery: In this project, near infrared fluorescence

imaging is being developed for detection of the parathyroid gland during endocrine surgery. This project

includes instrumentation development, clinical data acquisition, data analysis as well fundamental

molecular biology experiments needed to evaluate the responsible biological fluorophores detected.

Accordingly specific skills include optical design, image processing, and molecular biology.

 

Please indicate which project you are applying to and send you CV and 3 names of references to

jean.alley@vanderbilt.edu. Start date is negotiable although all project are currently funded and require these

positions to be filled asap.

 

The Biomedical Photonics Laboratories is an active research group consisting of about 20-30 people including

faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduate students. The team is involved in a variety

of biomedical photonics research including bioluminescence imaging, optical imaging, laser-tissue interaction

and optical spectroscopy. The appointment will be in the department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt

University which provides the rare opportunity of working closely with clinicians, basic scientists, engineers

and statisticians not only by the nature of the interdisciplinary research conducted in our lab but also by the

geography as the School of Medicine as well as the College of Arts and Sciences are all within close proximity

of the School of Engineering (100-200 yards). The lab has easy access to the renowned Vanderbilt-Ingram

Cancer Center and the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science. Vanderbilt University is an equal

opportunities employer.

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