Postdoctoral Research Scholar

The Department of Physics in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible Postdoctoral Research Scholar in advanced optical imaging and experimental biophysics. This is a fiscal-year (12-month), fixed-term appointment with no tenure implications, and with the possibility of annual renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the unit, and the availability of funding. The anticipated start date is flexible and will be determined in coordination with the successful candidate.

The successful candidate will lead the design and implementation of a multi-modal structured illumination and polarized tensor tomography smart microscope platform. This includes modifying and extending an existing optical instrument and associated computational package to perform tensor tomography, as well as training graduate students in the use and application of the microscope platform. The scholar will work closely with faculty, postdocs, and students on cutting-edge applications in biophysics, soft matter, and related areas.

Please note that the salary for this position is subject to the NIH salary cap. For more information, please visit the NIH website: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/salary-cap-stipends

About the Department of Physics

The Department of Physics at Arizona State University is a vibrant research and teaching community that spans experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to some of the most compelling problems in modern science. Faculty and students in the department pursue research in areas including biophysics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, quantum information, and physics education, among others. The department is committed to providing high-quality educational experiences at the undergraduate and graduate levels, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and advancing the frontiers of knowledge through innovative research programs. For more information, please visit: https://physics.asu.edu/

About The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu.

About Arizona State University

ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural, and overall health of the communities it serves.

Essential Functions:

• Design and implement a multi-modal structured illumination and polarized tensor tomography smart microscope platform.
• Modify an existing instrument and computational package to perform tensor tomography.
• Train graduate students on the use and application of the microscope platform.

• PhD in physics, optics, engineering, biophysics, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Experience with optical system design, modification, and implementation (e.g., advanced microscopy, imaging, or laser-based platforms).
• Proficiency with computational tools or software for image acquisition, processing, and/or analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor students or colleagues in experimental methods and instrumentation.

• Experience with structured illumination microscopy and/or polarization-based imaging techniques.
• Background in tomographic or tensor-based imaging methods or closely related quantitative imaging approaches.
• Experience integrating optical hardware with custom or existing computational packages into a unified experimental platform.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.

• Cover letter describing research experience, technical expertise, and fit for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
• Brief statement of research interests and relevant technical experience (1–2 pages).
• Contact information for three professional references.