Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biomedical Optics

PI:  Thomas D Wang, MD,PhD, University of Michigan

https://sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/wang_lab

The goal of the Wang Lab is to develop endomicroscopes for in vivo imaging to advance the scientific understanding of biological mechanisms, improve disease diagnosis, and generate more effective therapies.  The Wang Laboratory is located in the Biomedical Science Research Building (BSRB) on the University of Michigan medical campus.  The laboratory is equipped with 4 optical tables that contain a variety of mounts, positioners, and stages for development of prototype flexible fiber-coupled endomicroscopes located in 3 laboratory modules ~450 sq ft in size.  A wide range of equipment, including function generators, spectrometer, laser beam profiler, optical spectrum analyzer, oscilloscopes, photomultiplier tube (PMT) detectors, and power supplies are available for use.  Software, including Zemax, Solid Works, Matlab, and Labview, is used to perform optical and mechanical simulations and data acquisition.  Light sources include Spectra-Physics Deep See and Insight X3 femtosecond lasers, Edgewave diode pumped Q-switched Nd-YAG laser, Opotek Phocus laser with optical parametric oscillator (OPO), and a number of solid state lasers with excitation over the visible and NIR spectrum.  Imaging systems available include Endra Nexus 128 photoacoustic tomography, LI-COR Pearl Trilogy NIR fluorescence, Ultrasonix ultrasound imaging system, and Olympus FV1000MPE twin multi-photon microscope.  This modern biomedical optics research facility is conveniently located near the Lurie Nano Fabrication (LNF) facility, a state of the art microfabrication facility for development of miniature scan mechanisms and the Michigan Medicine Medical Procedures Unit (MPU) where the fiber-coupled endomicroscopes are clinically translated.

Post-doctoral research opportunities in biomedical optics are available at the University of Michigan.  Flexible optical fiber instruments based on confocal, multi-photon, photoacoustic, and wide-field imaging methods are being developed to advance basic science and clinical diagnosis.  Projects involve optical systems design, ray trace simulations, optical fiber coupling, miniature scanning mechanism integration, instrument packaging, data acquisition and control, and software development.  Analytical evaluation for performance verification, device characterization, and image interpretation will be performed.  Join a dynamic multi-disciplinary group to accelerate innovative methods in endomicroscopy to enable 3D imaging with sub-cellular resolution in live animals and human subjects.  These technologies will be used via standard medical endoscopes to provide access for imaging throughout the human body.  Applications include neurophysiology of the brain in freely moving animals and early cancer detection and staging in the digestive tract (e.g. biliary tract, colon, esophagus, stomach, and pancreas).  These enabling technologies are being developed and commercialized to provide real-time non-invasive “optical biopsy.”  Will collaborate closely with experts in medicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and nanotechnology.  The successful applicant will join a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary, clinical translational research program.

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and in compliance with NIH guidelines.

Representative recent publications from the Wang Lab include:

1. Shirazi A, Sahraeibelverdi T, Lee M, Li H, Yu J, Jaiswal S, Oldham KR, Wang TD. Miniaturized side-view dual axes confocal endomicroscope for repetitive in vivo imaging. Biomedical Optics Express 2023;14:4277-95.
2. Lee M, Li G, Li H, Duan X, Birla MB, Chang TS, Turgeon DK, Oldham KR, Wang TD. Confocal laser endomicroscope with distal MEMS scanner for real-time histopathology. Scientific Reports 2022;12:1-11. PMC9684518.
3. Li G, Duan X, Lee M, Birla M, Chen J, Oldham KR, Wang TD, Li H. Ultra-Compact Microsystems-Based Confocal Endomicroscope. IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging 2020;39:2406-14. PMC7918297.
4. Duan X, Li H, Li X, Oldham KR, Wang TD. Axial beam scanning in multiphoton microscopy with MEMS-based actuator. Optics Express 2017;25:2195-2205. PMC5772401.
5. Li G, Li H, Duan X, Zhou Q, Zhou J, Oldham KR, Wang Visualizing Epithelial Expression in Vertical and Horizontal Planes With Dual Axes Confocal Endomicroscope Using Compact Distal Scanner. IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging 2017;36:1482-90. PMID: 28252391.

Candidates with a Ph.D. in mechanical/electrical/biomedical engineering, optics, physics, chemistry, or a related discipline with hands-on experience in instrumentation, data acquisition, control, optical design, or fiber optic systems are invited to apply.  Programming experience with Labview, Matlab, C++, and Solid Works is desirable.  International investigators are welcome.  Desirable skills include the following:

• Proficiency in optical design and ray trace simulations
• Hands-on experience with solid state and ultra-fast lasers.
• Experience in mechanical design, system assembly, prototyping, machining, and 3D printing.
• Familiarity with the latest tools and equipment used in micro precision work.
• Expertise in data acquisition and control of electro- and/or opto-mechanical components.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, SolidWorks, and/or LabVIEW.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Candidates should submit CV and contact information by email:

Thomas D. Wang, M.D.,Ph.D.

Professor of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering

Marvin Pollard Collegiate Professor of Endoscopy Research

University of Michigan

109 Zina Pitcher Pl. BSRB 1522

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200

Email: tdwangmd@gmail.com

Research environment:  The University of Michigan is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment, and is an ideal training ground for postdocs who want to further develop their skills in pursuit of a career in academia or industry.