Position Summary

Area of expertise: Silicon photonic device design and fabrication, optical imaging system design and development, laser-tissue interaction, microelectronics, photonics, instrumentation, signal processing, statistical analysis, design of optical systems, PCB design, ophthalmology.

Prof. Chao Zhou is the principal investigator on a multi-investigator, interdisciplinary project to advance technology for optical coherence tomography imaging. This project will focus on developing optical imaging tools to facilitate the diagnosis of eye diseases in human subjects. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team, including collaborators in engineering, ophthalmology, and pediatrics. As a translational engineering lab, the successful candidate will work on projects that have high potential to generate new products and impact patients, including children and adults. The Zhou team aims to foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and supportive environment in which team members work together to creatively solve major medical challenges.

Multiple postdoctoral research positions are available immediately for applicants interested in developing novel Silicon photonic devices, OCT imaging systems, and their applications in ophthalmology. The goals of this project are to develop fully integrated photonic-chip based OCT imaging system to improve the performance and reduce the cost for OCT. Project work will involve photonic chip design and fabrication, OCT imaging system design and prototyping, signal processing, PCB design and testing, system integration, and animal and human experiments.

In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Career Center, Teaching Center, and campus groups.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ .

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of Prof. Zhou including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which is expected to yield one or more publications.
• Develops expertise in silicon photonics and optical imaging system, including design, fabrication, and testing.
• Supports or leads evaluation of novel OCT imaging systems via animal studies, and patient studies.
• Mentors doctoral, master’s and undergraduate students engaged in independent research activities.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and project reporting, and contributes to laboratory organization including meeting planning.
• Designs research experiments, evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Conscientious discharge of research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Interacts in a professional manner with co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, computer science or a related field.
• Self-motivated, independent, and possess training in areas of silicon-photonics, biomedical optics, laser-tissue interaction, instrumentation, microelectronics, signal processing, or programming.
• Demonstrated record of achievement, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills to work with a multidisciplinary research team.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Interested individuals should apply and send a curriculum vitae to Prof. Zhou. chaozhou@wustl.edu .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.