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The Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS) invites applications for the position of Research Fellow.

Polarisation variations in a focused beam are not restricted by the traditional diffraction limit and superoscillatory, i.e. very high spatial frequency, variations are possible. Engineering of focused polarisation structures can be achieved, for example, through wavefront shaping and polarisation control of incident beams. Illumination of proteins or other small bioparticles with such superoscillatory polarisation structured light offers opportunities in detection of conformational changes or nano-displacements which can observed with high sensitivity in polarisation space, even though there is no observable variation in the intensity domain. In this project we seek to determine optimal polarisation structures and determine expected sensitivity through analytic and computational means. Viability of experimental detection will be assessed and potentially pursued.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Analytically and computationally model polarisation structure of focused light.

• Rigorously model electromagnetic scattering from complex proteins and bioparticles/molecules

• Optimise proposed scheme to enhance sensitivity to particle displacements and conformational variations

• Establish quantitative particle analysis techniques exploiting polarisation engineering

• Assess experimental feasibility and establish tolerance limits

• Build experimental setup and perform associated experiments for detection of nanodisplacements and conformational changes

• Disseminate results through publication in top-tier journals and conference presentations

• Contribute to research administration and assist in grant writing as required

• Supervise PhD and undergraduate student projects as required

Job Requirements: 

• PhD Degree in Physics/Engineering or related disciplines

• Active and strong theoretical and experimental knowledge of optical polarization, single particle dynamics and detection

• Experience in optical beam engineering and wavefront shaping

• Knowledge of optical scattering and biomolecular kinetics would be helpful

• Good writing and communication skills

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.