Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) in mid-infrared photothermal microscopy

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics is offering a postdoctoral scholarship with focus on quantitative phase imaging of lipids and nanoplastics using widefield mid-infrared photothermal microscopy. The postdoctoral scholarship refers to full-time studies for two years with preliminary start date 1 September 2026 or by agreement. Application deadline is July 21, 2026.

Project Description
Mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) microscopy has emerged as a powerful technique for rapid chemical imaging in life science and materials science, allowing both label-free detection and the use of vibrational probes to increase contrast. Yet, in practical applications, MIP often lacks sensitivity, spatial resolution and the ability to accurately quantify specific chemicals in complex samples. The project addresses these issues by combining MIP with quantitative phase imaging.

Based on an existing wide-field MIP setup, the fellowship holder will employ a powerful pump laser for increased sensitivity and spatial resolution and implement quantitative phase imaging to enable 3D imaging and calibration-free mass concentration mapping. The fellowship holder will then have the opportunity to investigate the uptake of fatty acids by living 3T3-L1 model cells and detection of nano- and microplastics in municipal wastewater samples. The overarching goal for this project is to advance the field of chemical imaging, with potentially high impact in life, environmental and materials sciences, and high-throughput analysis.

As a postdoctoral fellow in this project, you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain in‑depth expertise in advanced MIP microspectroscopy and its application in cell and environmental studies
• Participate in method development of quantitative MIP protocols for determination of the target molecule mass in a sample
• Optimize and validate the performance of a MIP microscope setup in terms of sensitivity, spatial resolution and quantification through systematic experimentation and mathematical modelling
• Conduct advanced cell studies to elucidate cellular uptake mechanisms of fatty acids
• Enable identification and quantification of common micro(nano)plastics in municipal wastewater samples
• Together with supervisors and collaborators, develop an independent research direction within the theme of photothermal microscopy and its applications, based on your background and emerging project results
• Contribute to teaching and supervision at the advanced level within your field of expertise, to the extent relevant to the project and your professional development

The fellowship is for two (2) years and is funded by the Kempe Foundations. The tax‑free stipend amounts to a total of SEK 720,000 (on average SEK 360,000 per year) and is typically paid out in four separate installments during the fellowship period.

Qualifications
To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the candidate is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the final decision about the scholarship recipient.  

The doctoral degree should be in physics, applied physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Priority will be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree before that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Additional Requirements

• Documented experience with the development of optical imaging techniques, microscopes and laser spectroscopic methods, and the application of these methods
• Experience with the preparation of biological and environmental samples for microscopy applications
• Experience in quantitative data analysis, such as signal processing, modeling, statistics, or machine learning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, particularly in a research context

It is meriting to have one or more of the following skills or qualities:

• Experience with one or more of the following methods or instruments: mid-infrared photothermal microscopy, quantitative phase imaging, quadriwave lateral shearing interferometry (QLSI), absorption spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging, and high-power nanosecond-pulsed lasers
• Knowledge in molecular spectroscopy and mathematical modeling of light-matter interactions
• Demonstrated scientific independence, for example through first authorship, leadership of data analysis, initiation of collaborations, or protocol design

Experience in or interest in broader academic engagement—such as doctoral education, research ethics, philosophy of science, responsible use of AI and generative AI, or issues related to equality, diversity, and democracy in academia—is considered an asset.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Can formulate and further develop research questions and justify methodological choices
• Can structure their own scientific development and make well‑founded priorities in complex projects
• Take initiative to develop, test, and refine quantitative methods
• Collaborate constructively within the research group and across disciplines spanning physics, engineering, chemistry, medical research and life science
• Demonstrate strong motivation to build an independent research profile and conduct high‑quality, impactful research
• Are motivated to learn, apply, and share knowledge within the group and with collaborators

Application
The application must be written in English. All attachments must be submitted in Word or PDF format. The application must be received no later than July 21, 2026.

A complete application must include:

1. Cover letter (maximum 1–2 pages):

• Describe how your previous research experience and doctoral training relate to development of laser-based techniques, mid-infrared photothermal microscopy and quantitative phase imaging of biomolecules in cells or micro(nano)plastics.
• Provide 1–2 examples of independent scientific contributions, such as method and tool development, protocol design, leadership of analyses or first authorship
• Briefly describe which aspects of the fellowship theme (laser spectroscopy, imaging, cell studies, modeling) motivate you most, and how you would shape the research direction during the first year

2. A certified copy of the doctoral degree certificate, or documentation indicating the expected date of degree completion
3. Certified copies of other academic degrees, a list of completed academic courses, and transcripts
4. Curriculum vitae (CV, max. 2 pages), including a publication list (max. 5 pages)
5. Copy of/link to doctoral thesis and 3 relevant articles
6. Contact information for at least two individuals willing to provide references

More information is provided by Professor Florian Schmidt, florian.schmidt@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!