Brillouin microscopy and biophotonics

Overview

Brillouin microscopy is an emerging optical imaging technology that uses interactions between light and sound waves to probe the mechanical properties of materials without physical contact. It offers unique opportunities for quantitative measurements in biological systems, including cells and tissues.

This PhD project will contribute to the development of new approaches to Brillouin microscopy and related biophotonic imaging technologies. Research will combine experimental optical physics with computational modelling, instrumentation, signal processing and quantitative imaging. The precise direction of the project can be developed according to the interests and experience of the successful candidate. Potential areas of research include advanced optical beam shaping, stimulated Brillouin scattering, development and optimisation of optical instrumentation, quantitative biomechanical imaging, and complementary optical imaging techniques.

Candidate's role

Depending on the direction of the project, the research may involve:

• Designing, building and characterising optical instrumentation
• Developing and implementing optical beam-shaping techniques
• Developing hardware-control and automation software
• Computational modelling of optical and Brillouin scattering systems
• Developing signal-processing and data-analysis methods
• Characterising instrument performance using controlled experimental samples
• Applying new imaging techniques to biological and biomedical research questions

The project is highly interdisciplinary and provides opportunities to work across optical physics, instrumentation, computational modelling and biophotonics. The research will be supervised by Dr Michael Taylor (Biophotonics, University of Otago), with opportunities for collaboration with researchers in optical physics, biomedical sciences and bioengineering. The student will also benefit from the wider research environment and networking opportunities provided by the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies.

Selection criteria

Applicants should have a strong academic background in Physics, Engineering, Photonics, Mathematics or a related discipline.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Experimental optics, photonics or laser-based instrumentation
• Microscopy or biophotonics
• Optical modelling or computational imaging
• Scientific programming
• Instrument control and automation
• Signal processing or quantitative data analysis

Applicants should have an interest in experimental and interdisciplinary research and the ability to work independently on challenging technical problems.

Eligibility

Both domestic and international students are welcome to enquire. Applicants must satisfy the University of Otago's requirements for admission to PhD study. Relevant qualifications would normally include a Master's degree with a substantial research component, an appropriate Honours degree, or equivalent evidence of preparation for doctoral research.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also satisfy the University's English-language requirements.

Host institution

The project will be based in the Department of Physics at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. The successful candidate will join a developing biophotonics research group focused on creating new optical technologies for quantitative measurement and biomedical research. The project offers substantial opportunities for hands-on involvement in the development of new optical instrumentation and for contributing to the future research directions of the group.

Funding

This project does not come with guaranteed funding. Applicants must obtain their own scholarship or have another source of funding sufficient to support their PhD studies. Potential applicants are encouraged to investigate scholarship opportunities available through the University of Otago or other external funding sources. Scholarship availability and eligibility vary between applicants, and admission to the PhD programme does not guarantee scholarship funding.

Applying

Please contact Dr Michael Taylor (m.taylor@otago.ac.nz) with expressions of interest or questions about the project.

Expressions of interest should include:

• Curriculum vitae, including contact details for 2–3 referees
• Academic transcripts
• A brief cover letter

Suitable candidates will then be advised on the formal University of Otago PhD application process.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago