Missions

During this post-doctorate, a new microscope module will be developed to enable label-free imaging of neuronal spheroids in acoustic levitation.

The module will combine 3 imaging modalities, including a new one invented at the Institut Langevin:
-Dynamic full-field OCT to reveal all the cells in a tissue or culture without labeling by analyzing temporal fluctuations of full-field OCT signals.
-Spectral OCT for visualization of spheroid volume
-Fluorescence imaging (e.g. calcium imaging, and nanoparticle tracking)

The post-doctoral fellow will develop the module, connect it to a commercial micoscope, and develop a sample holder for imaging samples in acoustic levitation. He/she will interface with two teams of collaborators developing levitating cell cultures to integrate their needs into the imaging system.

Activités

-Design and production of an imaging module
-Development of automated data processing algorithms
-Production of acoustic levitation chips and microscope integration. Realization of mechanical interfaces and 3D printing to make the interface
-Imaging of biological samples and discussion with physicists and biologists to optimize imaging.
-Bibliographical work and writing of scientific articles
-Regular presentation of results
-Participation in the scientific life of the team and collaboration with other team members

Compétences

-A PhD in biophotonics, or equivalent, is expected.
-The candidate must master basic and advanced microscopy concepts. Experience in label-free imaging or Optical Coherence Tomography would be appreciated.
- The candidate must be able to present his/her work to an interdisciplinary audience of biologists/physicists and physicians. An interest in interdisciplinarity is required to successfully complete this project.
-An advanced level of programming (ideally Matlab or Python) is required.
-The candidate is expected to master the skills needed to carry out a research project (bibliographical research/article writing/presentation of results/project organization).

Contexte de travail

The work corresponds to the first part of a collaborative ANR project to study cerebral spheroids under acoustic levitation and induced mechanical stress. In particular, this will allow investigating the impact of mechanics on neuronal growth and function, possibly in the context of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

The first part of this project involves the development of a new microscope to be designed and built by the postdoctoral fellow at the Institut Langevin, 1 rue Jussieu, Paris.
The microscope will then be moved to the PMMH laboratory, also at 1 rue Jussieu, to perform imaging on cellular spheroids. Biological experiments, in particular acoustic levitation, are mastered by PMMH researchers and will be taught during the postdoctorate.

The Institut Langevin is an ESPCI Paris laboratory specializing in waves in complex media. The laboratory has long experience of label-free optical microscopy, and in particular dynamic OCT and full-field OCT techniques. During a previous ANR, a dynamic full-field OCT module has already been produced, and the aim of this post-doctorate is to reproduce this module and add other, more conventional imaging modalities. The post-doc will therefore benefit from all the know-how previously accumulated in the laboratory.