Missions

The Nanobio team is developing new concepts to push back the limits of single-molecule localization microscopy, in particular to enable dynamic observation of living cells. In particular, it has recently patented various concepts for localizing molecules under structured illumination inducing fluorescence modulation. The aim of this position is to contribute to the development of new optical configurations enabling the spatial localization of single molecules with ultimate precision and reduced acquisition times, while extracting fluorescence lifetime which reports on local environement of fluorescent probes in cells but also to probe local environment in nanomaterials. These new developments will be implemented as part of the TimeNanoLive ERC.

Activities

The person will contribute to various aspects:
- setting up the optical implementations of new concepts
- testing and validation of new experimental set-ups
- pilot/simulation programming
- characterisation of various samples
- supervising student (intership, PhD candidate)
- writing articles
- taking part in conferences

Skills

- optics
- microscopy
- knowledge of single-molecule imaging (acquisition and processing)
- knowledge of FLIM and/or photophysics
- knowledge of cell culture or nanomaterials
- python programming

Work Context

This work will take place at ISMO within the interdisciplinary NanoBio team (a joint CNRS / Université Paris-Saclay unit), as part of the European ERC project TimeNanoLive.
The NanoBio team develops new fluorescence microscopy modalities that push the limits of current observations, both in terms of acquisition speed and imaging depth, for applications ranging from biology to the study of nanomaterials.

These developments lie at the crossroads of several disciplines and involve expertise in optics, electronics, image and data processing using machine learning, photophysics, chemistry and biology. The position is therefore particularly well suited for candidates who are motivated to work at the heart of this interdisciplinarity, with a background in physics/optics and an interest in exploring the related fields.
The laboratory includes an on-site cell culture facility, several single-molecule localization microscopes, as well as a conventional wide-field FLIM setup, and benefits from in-house mechanical, electronic and instrumentation support services.

Constraints and risks

laser beam
culture cell