Line-scanning Brillouin-Raman microscope

About the Project

Brillouin spectroscopy is a technique for measuring visco-elastic properties of biological materials, with applications to fundamental biology, tissue engineering, and drug-discovery. Raman spectroscopy is a technique that probes sample’s chemical composition. Recently, Brillouin and Raman spectroscopies were combined in a confocal microscopy system to achieve mechano-chemical mapping in 3D. Although very useful, the point-by-point image acquisition results in long measurement times not suitable for live biological samples. A multiplexed approach, in which hundreds of spatial locations are probed at the same, provides a natural solution for high-speed Brillouin-Raman microscopy. This can be achieved by focusing light into a line rather than a point and scanning the sample in one dimension to obtain the full 2D image. This project aims to design a novel line-scanning Brillouin-Raman microscopy system for fast mapping of mechanical and chemical properties of biological samples in 3D with microscopic special resolution.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of A/Prof Irina Kabakova and Dr Peter Su. The candidate will work within the multicultural research team supported by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence QUBIC and COMBS. Top-up stipend of $5k can be granted in the second year of candidature, subject to candidate’s performance review.

Eligibility

Applicants can only be domestic student (either permanent Australian residents or New Zealand citizens). To be eligible for this applicantion, applicants must have completed a UTS recognised degree in

• MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months,
• or Bachelor Honours degree with 1st Class, or 2nd Class Division 1, or division 1 honours, or an equivalent or higher qualification,
• or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies.

Selection process

Selection criteria includes research potential, research experience, quality of the research proposal, alignment with the UTS Research Strategy and the strategic goals of the field of specialisation, and the Faculty's ability to offer appropriate supervision in the applicant's chosen field.

Student will be going through a competitive process for the final selection.

Compulsory:

• Competition of the Bachelor of Science with Honours (first class) or a similar qualification in an engineering degree.
• Knowledge of optical physics, specifically optical system design and microscopy.
• Good programming skills in Matlab/Python.
• Great communication and presentation skills.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of one/both of the methods, Brillouin or Raman scattering.
• Skills in instrument automation and/or interfacing are desirable but not compulsory.
• Experience in writing scientific publications and reports.

Required

Applicants should send their CV and list of publications to contact person’s email address by the closing date. The application process is currently open and will continue to be open until all positions have been filled. We highly encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be advised with further details.

For further Information on application essentials please visit UTS Graduate Research applications.

Funding Notes

Stipend Value
$37,000 per year and additional funds ($7.5k) during the course of the PhD for PhD-related expenses and additional top up of $5000 every year, starting from year 2 for high-performing students.
Duration
3.5 years