Computational Light Microscopy — Making the Invisible Visible

Light is a most versatile tool to study life. Optical microscopy opens a unique window into the inner workings of biological development without interfering with its delicate processes. Major advances in resolution, contrast, and throughput have been key to advance our understanding of biological development and associated diseases. However, the scattering of light severely limits our ability to study biological cells and their migration deeper within the tissue. This project aims to overcome this imaging-depth barrier.

In this project, the student will investigate novel 3D light microscopy techniques to visualise currently hidden biological processes. Although biological cells transmit most light, their inherent heterogeneity scatters the light in quasi random directions. The combined effect of few layers of cells is sufficient to blur the image and severely hamper our ability to investigate what happens beyond the surface. Albeit random, the light scattering is deterministic and only dependent on the optical property distribution of the sample and the laser illumination of the instrument. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of this multi-disciplinary research project, including the design and construction of experimental microscope systems (optics and control software), as well as sample preparation, recording and numerical analysis. This will require mastering state of the art control of the illumination by leveraging adaptive optics, wavefront shaping , computational imaging, and machine learning to push the imaging limits in microscopy.

We are seeking applications from enthusiastic students that are fast learners, self-motivated, and able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of researchers. The successful candidate will be based at the School of Science and Engineering and work in close collaboration with the University's School of Life Science, a short walking distance away on the same campus. Candidates are expected to gain a first class honours degree or high upper second in Physics, Engineering, or related subject. This project is open both to British and to EU students who qualify for home fees. The competitive funding covers student fees and EPSRC-funded stipend (currently £17,668/year and tax free).

Would you love to be a part of this? Let us know why you think you’d make an outstanding candidate! Apply right away or get in touch for more information: https://sites.dundee.ac.uk/vettenburg/contact/, or by e-mail to Tom Vettenburg.