About the Project
**Important note: Interviews will be held on 9-10th Jan 2020 and invited applicants will be required to give a 10 minute presentation detailing your research work relevant to the position**
Cardiff University is looking for an Early Stage Researcher within the Division of Molecular Biosciences for the collaborative research project MUSIQ in the frame of the EU Horizon2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Networks H2020-MSCA-ITN-2018 “MUSIQ: Multiphoton Microscopy and Ultrafast Spectroscopy: Imaging meets Quantum” European Training Network (ETN).
MUSIQ (www.musiq-etn.eu) is an innovative ETN with the unique vision of developing the next-generation optical microscopy exploiting quantum coherent nonlinear phenomena. Through 15 ESR research projects, MUSIQ will establish an intersectoral training and research programme at the physics/chemistry/life science interface with partners from 9 European countries. MUSIQ ESRs will enrol on PhD degree programmes and be employed for 36 months in a beneficiary organisation. The consortium brings together a unique team of world-leading academic groups and industry, at the forefront of optical microscopy technology developments merged with fundamental understanding of ultrafast coherent light-matter interaction phenomena, development of quantitative image analysis tools, and biomedical/pharmaceutical real-world applications. MUSIQ aims at creating the next generation of skilled well-connected scientists that will pioneer the ‘quantum microscopes of tomorrow’.
Specific to MUSIQ, in addition to their individual scientific projects, all ESRs will benefit from further continuing education through a dedicated training program in the various fields of expertise of the consortium partners, which includes secondments, a variety of training modules, transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops, conferences and outreach activities.
As part of the position, the successful candidate will be enrolled as a staff candidate for a PhD at Cardiff University. A Masters degree in Physical Sciences, Engineering or Biochemistry, or equivalent, is needed to meet the eligibility criteria.
This is a full-time position (35 hours per week), fixed-term for 3 years. Candidates must be available to start by 1st April 2020. It is anticipated the basic annual salary will be in the region of £37,258 per annum, exact salary will be confirmed upon appointment. In addition to basic salary, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher positions also attract mobility and family allowances, dependent on individual circumstances.
The objectives of the project are to demonstrate the visualisation of lipid nanodomains in membrane bilayers with unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution and chemical specificity. The successful candidate will be trained to work with a unique combination of multiphoton microscopy techniques beyond state of the art available in the research team at Cardiff. Specifically, the candidate will use label-free coherent antistokes Raman scattering microscopy combined with four-wave mixing imaging of single metallic nanoparticles.
This study is important as a framework for understanding how heterogeneity in cell membranes may arise. Both synthetic lipid membrane bilayers (with ternary mixtures of cholesterol, saturated, and unsaturated lipids) and cellular membranes will be investigated in this project.
Research
*To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments, performing data analysis, desktop research etc.
*To conduct experiments by examining lipid membrane bilayers with multiphoton microscopy beyond state of the art, and related quantitative data analysis.
*To participate in maintaining laboratory facilities, and assist other members of the group by sharing knowledge and expertise. Collaborate with others to tackle interdisciplinary problems in close collaboration with experts from adjacent disciplines in chemistry and biology.
*Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners.
*To contribute to research publications and presentations as required.
*To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages.
*To resolve issues and support senior colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
*To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate.
*To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
*To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
*Specific to MUSIQ, in addition to their individual scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from further continuing education, which includes secondments. In this project, secondments will include a 2-months placement at Leica (Germany) to be trained on state-of-the-art optical microscopy instrumentation and a 2-months placement at CNRS (Marseille, France) to compare performances of coherent Raman scattering microscopy technology developments.
*Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Funding Notes
Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, reflecting the consortium’s commitment to equality and diversity. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. Employment procedures and contracts will conform to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
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