Open Positions
Our group is highly interdisciplinary and brings together students and postdocs from a variety of subject areas, ranging from engineering and physical sciences to computer science and biology. We always welcome inquiries and applications from highly motivated candidates at the undergraduate, PhD or postdoc level. Please contact Dr. Giuseppe Vicidomini for inquiries.
Ph.D. in New Developments in Fluorescence Lifetime Microscopy
Published:
6th June 2023 - Open (Deadline 10th June 2022)
Type of Position:
Ph.D. Fellowship in Bioengineering and Robotics, Curriculum Bionanotechnologies
Description:
Optical microscopy is one of the least invasive techniques to visualise biological structure and function – on almost the molecular scale – in living cells and organisms. However, understanding many of the fundamental biological processes relevant to health and disease remains beyond the capabilities of conventional optical microscopy. We aim to design and develop cutting-edge microscopes and analytical tools that allow biologists to peer inside living systems with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolutions and ranges, reduced invasiveness, and augmented information content. To reach this goal, our projects synergically integrate novel photonics technologies, labelling protocols, optical architectures, spectroscopy techniques, and machine learning approaches. Although technology development will always be our focus, we also collaborate with biologists to road-test and refine our tools – and to ensure they enable new biological insights.
The PhD student will be fully integrated into this general mission of the laboratory with a dedicated project on fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is an imaging technique which combines the conventional intensity characteristic of the fluorescence signal with its nanosecond scale temporal dynamics. This combination provides access to both the specimen’s structural and functional information. Indeed, it allows mapping protein-protein interactions and biochemical reaction in living cells. In the last years our group contributed to combining FLIM to super-resolution microscopy –by introducing the concept of fluorescence lifetime image scanning microscopy [1], and to democratise FLIM – by developing a series of enabling low-cost technologies [1,2]. The PhD student will continue in this direction and his/her specific project will be designed according to his/her background and skills. In particular, the project will be chosen within one or a combination of these goals: (i) the combination of fluorescence lifetime assay with other advanced microscopy techniques; (ii) the development of robust and user-friendly analysis pipelines; (iii) application of FLIM to understand RNA molecule functions and their role in human diseases in the context of RNA therapeutics.
[1] M. Castello et al., “A robust and versatile platform for image scanning microscopy enabling super-resolution FLIM,” Nat Methods 16(2), 175-178 (2019).
[2] A. Rossetta, et al., “The BrightEyes-TTM as an open-source time-tagging module for democratising single-photon microscopy,” Nat Comm 13, 7406 (2022).
Requirements:
The project is extremely multi-disciplinary, and it involves many different aspects of natural sciences. Hence, the position is open to candidates having a Master Degree or equivalent Degree in Engineering, Physics or related disciplines. Ability and motivation to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team is very important. Good English language speaking and writing skills are required. Coding skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C#) are highly desirable. Expertise in microscopy will be considered as a plus.
How to Apply:
In order to apply for this position, it is mandatory to refer to the procedures administered by the Università degli studi di Genova. The official call is available at this link Ph.D. Programmes Please contact Dr. Giuseppe Vicidomini for information and pre-application.