Title: Postdoctoral Scholar in Super-resolution Microscopy
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Physics
Campus Location: Normal, IL

We are looking for a postdoctoral scholar with optics background to establish total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) super-resolution microscopy methods for cell biology research. The goal of the project is to develop innovative TIRF illumination microscopes to image the apical cell surface with reduced background and improved resolution. The scholar would then assist biologists to employ this TIRF microscope to understand intraflagellar (IFT) transport in cilia.

The successful applicant will work in a stimulating scientific environment at the Manna Lab (  https://www.mannalab.org/ )  in the Department Physics and collaborate with Engelke Lab ( https://about.illinoisstate.edu/mfengel/ )  in the School of Biological Sciences, and Kim Lab ( https://about.illinoisstate.edu/jkim5/research/ ) in the Department of Chemistry at Illinois State University. The research theme of Manna Lab is understanding light-matter interactions at the nanoscale for nano-photonic and bio-photonic applications. Engelke Lab is interested in exploring fundamental questions about molecular-level dynamic processes in cells. Kim Lab is interested in designing nano-scale materials that response to external stimuli. Manna, Engelke, and Kim labs are equipped with state-of-the-art experimental facilities.

Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package

1. Ph.D in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or related field.
2. Extensive experience with constructing and aligning optical microscopy set-ups
3. Excellent spoken and written English skills

1. Developing super-resolution microscopy methods for cell biology research
2. Experience with fluorescence microscopy
3. Experience in programming, such as Labview, Python
4. Experience working with mammalian cell cultures, including culture maintenance and assessment

Generally Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm with occasional weekend and evening hours as business needs dictate

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

November 2023

Resume / C.V.
Cover Letter explaining how you can contribute to the project
Reference List - (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references)

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Initial application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

All application materials must be submitted online. Application materials submitted via fax, email, or mail will not be accepted.

Please prepare in advance separate documents representing a cover letter explaining how you can contribute to the project, reference list (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references), and resume/C.V. to attach to this application.

Uttam Manna
umanna@ilstu.edu
309-438-2037

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383 . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 .