(A) Postdoctoral Position in Multimodal Mid-IR–Assisted Nonlinear Microscopy
We invite applications for a postdoc position to work on mid-IR–assisted nonlinear microscopy for label-free imaging. The project integrates a mid-IR–assisted CARS approach into a microscope platform to enable label-free imaging based on intrinsic vibrational “fingerprints”. The system is designed to investigate samples without external labeling agents, which is particularly beneficial for small biomolecules such as lipids, hormones, and pharmaceuticals, where fluorescent labels may interfere with cellular and tissue function.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Building and implementing the microscopy system (mid-IR and NIR beam paths, focusing optics, synchronization).
- Developing and optimizing the data acquisition system (timing, detection electronics, software control and data pipelines).
- Imaging and calibrating reference samples, including characterization of lateral resolution and spectral sensitivity in the CH-stretch region near ~2800 cm⁻¹ using polystyrene microspheres.
- Imaging biologically relevant samples, including HeLa cells, to validate system performance under biologically relevant conditions.
- Supporting the workflow for imaging and evaluation of lipid-based reference structures (e.g., phospholipid “onion” structures) and assessing sensitivity, spectral selectivity, and imaging capability.
(B) Postdoctoral Position on Vibrational-Lifetime Contrast via Time-Resolved Mid-IR Spectroscopy
We invite applications for a postdoc position focusing on improving sensitivity and spectral selectivity of mid-IR–based nonlinear microscopy by suppressing the non-resonant background from the solvent. The project centers on pulse-sequenced (time-resolved) detection in a mid-IR–assisted CARS configuration. In pulse-sequenced detection, the non-resonant background appears as an almost instantaneous contribution in the time domain, whereas the resonant part—linked to the vibrational two-photon excitation—shows a substantially longer dephasing time (typically several hundred femtoseconds in condensed phase). By introducing an optimized time delay between fs mid-IR pulses and the IR probe beam, the resonant signal can be selectively enhanced while suppressing the non-resonant component.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Perform time-resolved mid-IR–assisted nonlinear spectroscopy to study vibrational dephasing in liquids.
- Investigate the detection probability of the neurotransmitter glycine as a demonstration analyte.
- Combine the vibrational-lifetime methodology to generate background-free, label-free images and study antigen-specific T-cell function.
Applicants should have:
- PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field.
- Hands-on expertise in ultrafast spectroscopy and/or nonlinear optics, with mid-IR and fiber laser experience being a plus.
- Demonstrated experience with nonlinear and/or vibrational spectroscopies, highly desirable (e.g., CARS, SFG/VSFG, Raman, IR).
- Practical skills in timing/synchronization, signal detection, and data acquisition, including electronics/timing concepts and measurement software for acquisition and analysis.
- Strong written and spoken English; German is a plus.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
What we offer
- Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge multimodal spectroscopy/microscopy platform at the forefront of label-free imaging together with our industrial partner.
- Access to relevant laser and experimental infrastructure in an active international research environment.
- Collaborative atmosphere with interdisciplinary partners and strong mentorship.
Good reasons to join
Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance, we offer flexible working hours and variable part-time. You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket).
Application
Please submit your application as a single PDF including:
- Cover letter (max. 1 page) describing your most relevant experience for the tasks above
- CV
- Publication list
- Names of 2–3 referees (or reference contacts)
Start date: insert earliest possible date
Application deadline: Applications will be screened on an ongoing basis until suitable candidates are identified.
Send your application directly to: mailto:tim.laarmann@desy.de
GEFAM 