Photonic microscopy engineer
Organization: BioImaging and Pathologies Laboratory
Position Information:
The BioImaging and Pathologies Laboratory (LBP) is recruiting a Research Engineer for a 12-month position within the Biophotonics of Molecular and Cellular Interactions (BIMC) team. At the interface of biophysics, biology and chemistry, BIMC develops advanced fluorescence-based approaches to study biomolecular interactions involved in infection and epigenetic regulation.
The successful candidate will implement and validate Transient-State (TRAST) spectroscopy, a fluorescence technique designed to probe fluorophore dark-state dynamics. The method will then be integrated into the PIQ-QuESt imaging platform and made available to academic and industrial users.
Main missions
- Instrumental development – Assembly and align a complete laser based set-up (laser sources, AOM, beam delivery optics, and sCMOS camera detector),
- Instrument Validation – Demonstrate performance with a benchmark chromophore that populates dark states (e.g., the photo isomerisation dynamics of the pentamethine cyanine Cy5),
- Data analysis pipeline – Implement, test and document software tools for real time acquisition and quantitative analysis of TRAST data.
Profile
Required knowledges
- Hands-on experience with photonic spectroscopy hardware (lasers,
modulators, detectors), - Solid understanding of optical alignment and beam propagation principles.
- Proficiency in at least one programming environment: MATLAB, Python,
LabVIEW or Arduino, - Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy data processing,
- Basic knowledge of (bio)molecular systems and their photophysics,
- English proficiency at B2 level (or higher).
Desired skills and personal qualities
- Precision and rigor in experimental work; strong troubleshooting mindset,
- Ability to write clear user protocols and to contribute to scientific
publications, - Good visual and oral presentation skills,
- Proven team spirit and ability to collaborate effectively within a
multidisciplinary group.
How to apply
The application should include the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications, if any),
- Cover letter describing your relevant experience and motivation for the
position, - Names and contact details of two academic/professional references.
Send your application to:
- Dr. habil. Elisa Bombarda (elisa.bombarda@unistra.fr) –Project coordinator
- Dr. Ludovic Richert (ludovic.richert@unistra.fr) – Facility head of PIQ-QuEst.
Deadline to apply: September 30, 2026