Super-resolution imaging of biological organisms: seeing below the classical limits

Super-resolution imaging techniques allow studying of structures much smaller than the traditional limit of approximately half the wavelength of the light. The 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has emphasised its fundamental importance to the biological sciences. Two broad classes of techniques for super-resolution imaging have been developed, scanning-based (e.g. STED, GSD) and localisation microscopy (e.g. PALM, STORM, PAINT). Both offer the ability to image structures smaller than 30 nm within biological samples.

However, there are still numerous challenges to successful imaging such as the effects of optical inhomogeneities on the imaging process, effective labelling of structures of interest with suitable dyes and the desire to further increase speed of acquisition, field of view, resolution and perform multi-colour imaging in 3D.

This project entails working on cutting-edge super-resolution microscopes, and you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills that are essential for performing research into next-generation microscopy.

Successful candidates will gain a wide range of experience in skills such as: Optical hardware design and alignment, developing software for hardware control and data processing, labelling samples for imaging and developing collaborations with colleagues in the biological sciences to ensure our research also enables new biological science.