Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in dual-frequency comb spectroscopy at the nanoscale
Description: The Princeton University Department of Chemistry seeks to hire a postdoctoral researcher for an appointment in Prof. Herschel Rabitz's laboratory. The successful candidate will adapt a dual-frequency comb laser for use in conjunction with a unique tip-enhanced spectroscopy instrument, currently under development in Prof. Rabitz's lab, to produce the world's first nanoscale dual-frequency comb laser spectrometer. The resulting instrument will have many applications; notably, it will allow the spectroscopic characterization of nanoscale volumes in frozen cell sections, providing unprecedented maps of the distributions of small molecules within the cell. Determining the spatial distribution of small molecules within cells is crucial for understanding fundamental biological mechanisms, but it is currently not possible to do this for the vast majority of small molecules. The successful development of this instrument will permit addressing a host of unsolved problems in biology and has the potential to revolutionize the understanding of metabolism and signaling in healthy and diseased cells. The postdoctoral researcher will join an interdisciplinary team with strengths in physics, chemistry, and molecular biology. The existing team has successfully developed a cryogenic atomic force microscope that can characterize biological cell sections, and the postdoctoral researcher will adapt the setup for performing tip-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy to identify cellular chemical species. The project is under the direction of Prof. Herschel Rabitz in the Department of Chemistry and Prof. Martin Jonikas in the Department of Molectular Biology. Applicants should have experience with dual-comb spectroscopy and the acquisition and processing of associated signals and data. Essential Qualifications: Candidates must hold a Ph.D.; have the ability to work independently within a team environment; and have excellent organizational, record-keeping, and verbal and written communication skills. In addition, candidates must be self-motivated, with excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. The advertised position is for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding. This position is subject to the University's background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. Applicants must apply online at https://puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/position/37181 and submit a cover letter, CV with publication list, and 3 references with contact information. Princeton University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
