Advanced photon-counting imaging technologies for FLIM in 3D biological tissue

New advanced imaging technologies such as single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays allow detailed characterisation of individual photon quanta emitted by fluorescent living tissue. This includes measurements of fluorescence lifetimes (FLIM), a sensitive probe of the molecular environment and mechanical forces present in living cells. SPAD arrays show great promise for biomedical imaging applications. However, the photon-starved nature of FLIM experiments means that scattering from 3D tissues and resultant image blurring can present particular challenges for rigourous, quantitative FLIM analysis.

You will develop new optical and computational strategies for FLIM in scattering biological tissue. On the optical side we will research how to bring together advanced microscopy techniques for imaging in scattering media, and single-photon widefield FLIM – by building on pilot work started by our research group [1]. On the computational side we will develop new inverse models that take into account the image formation process as an integral part of the data analysis pipeline. 

This project will build on our team’s existing research in this area [1,2,3] and research new biophotonic approaches for measuring forces via fluorescence lifetime probes in living, moving organisms. Until recently this has seemed impossible, but recent advances in optics (fast single-photon imaging cameras), biology (genetic modification approaches) and chemistry (force-sensitive fluorescent probes) mean that this challenge is now within reach. You will design and construct new optical and computational systems to tackle this challenge, collaborating with hardware manufacturers to get the most out of cutting-edge technologies, and collaborating closely with biological collaborators to apply our research to answer real-world biological questions. 

You will learn advanced skills in optics and microscopy, including developing cutting-edge custom-built optical systems, while also developing valuable skills in interdisciplinary collaboration and communication that are becoming increasingly crucial for modern cross-disciplinary research. You will be based in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Glasgow University, supervised by Dr Jonathan Taylor in a research group in which individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds are all supported to thrive. You will join at an exciting time for the group, following substantial external investment in experimental microscopy and imaging capabilities that your research will integrate with. The Imaging Concepts Group consists of about 20 researchers (PhD/EngD students, postdocs, visiting scholars and academics) conducting leading-edge research in advanced imaging techniques and their commercial and biomedical applications; we collaborate with a range of academic and industrial partners in the UK and abroad. Existing research in our group includes: adaptive/compressive imaging in microscopy & computer vision, realtime image analysis for heartbeat-synchronized imaging, and hyperspectral imaging for medical and industrial applications. More information about my own research and that of our wider group can be found at https://jmtayloruk.github.io/research and http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/physics/research/groups/imagingconcepts. 

 The project calls for a student with an enthusiasm for working in practical experimental physics with real-world applications, coupled with strong computer programming skills. The ideal student will have: 

 – Practical physics experimental skills, and be keen to develop these skills further; 

 – Experience and aptitude in computer programming (preferably in Python) to solve numerical and mathematical problems in experimental physics; 

 – Proven problem-solving abilities; 

 – An enthusiasm for innovation and creative thinking; 

 – A 1st or 2.i class degree (awarded, or predicted) in Physics or a related physical science – or equivalent standard degree from an overseas university.

Funding for UK applicants has become available at short notice (in competition with other projects) so interested applicants should get in touch as soon as possible, sending a CV and covering letter to [email protected] that describes briefly what interests them about this specific project, and details how they meet the above criteria. The position is available for an October start and is one of several research opportunities available at Glasgow in the area of quantum and single-photon imaging and sensing.