Postdoctoral Researcher Opening in Advanced Optical Diagnostics and Microbial Dynamics
University of Minnesota
Prof. Jiarong Hong

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an exciting NSF-funded collaborative project between the University of Minnesota and Yale University (Prof. Jing Yan's group). This project focuses on the development and application of cutting-edge optical diagnostic tools to investigate microbial dynamics, particularly the interactions between free-swimming bacteria and biofilms in complex environments. The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in the development of HoloConâ”a novel imaging platform that integrates real-time three-dimensional digital in-line holography (DIH) with confocal microscopyâ”to enable simultaneous, high-resolution visualization of both motile and sessile bacterial populations. Through this work, we aim to uncover the fundamental mechanisms governing microbial competition, colonization, and biofilm resistance.

Key responsibilities include:
⢠       45% - Designing and conducting advanced experiments using HoloCon to study microbial interactions.
⢠       45% - Developing and optimizing machine learning algorithms for real-time data analysis and 3D tracking.
⢠       10% - Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams at both University of Minnesota and Yale University, bridging expertise in fluid dynamics, microbiology, and imaging science.

The postdoc will be supervised by Prof. Jiarong Hong and collaborate with Prof. Jing Yan (Yale University), with opportunities to contribute to other innovative research programs within the Flow Field Imaging Lab at the University of Minnesota.
Start date: May 1, 2025, or later
Duration: 2 years, with potential extension up to 4 years
For more information or to apply, please contact Prof. Jiarong Hong at [email protected].

Required Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field. 
Preferred Qualifications: 
- Experience working in a laboratory environment.
- Background in experimental fluid dynamics, optical diagnostics, biophysics, or microbial ecology.
- Experience with digital holography, particle tracking, confocal microscopy, or advanced imaging techniques.
- Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data processing and system integration.
- Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, biology, and engineering.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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