Job description:
Postdoctoral Research Associate position in project entitled “Whispering Gallery Mode Microresonator Optical Sensors for Biomedical Applications”
The Laboratory of Fiber Optoelectronics operating within the Optics and Photonics Division at the Faculty of Physics of the Warsaw University of Technology participates in research on fiber optic sensors.
The selected candidate will cooperate with dr hab. Piotr Lesiak as part of the project "Whispering Gallery Mode Microresonator Optical Sensors for Biomedical Applications", focusing on the study of an optical microresonator (MR) using whispering gallery modes (WGM) for biomedical applications. Responsibilities include design, research, data analysis and publication of results, cooperation within the "service-work", mentoring students and supporting the research activities of the Laboratory of Fiber Optoelectronics. The successful candidate is expected to play a leading role in the research of fiber optic sensors for biomedical applications. The selected candidate will be employed as an assistant professor at the Faculty of Physics of the Warsaw University of Technology, as part of the project "Whispering Gallery Mode Microresonator Optical Sensors for Biomedical Applications", financed by the Warsaw University of Technology, for a maximum period of 12 months from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Developing of an understanding of the fundamentals underpinning the interactions between WGMs in MR and surrounding biological analytes and a reliable theoretical model using a range of numerical simulation methods.

1. Based on the developed models: in order to achieve higher sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and lower detection limit required for sensing at a molecular level selecting the WGM MR type, optimizing the structure and parameters of a WGM MR, radius of the tapered optical fiber or diameter of the MR and the length of the coupling region.

2. Investigation and development of reliable fabrication techniques-based photo lithography and efficient light coupling for the optimized MNF resonator structure.

3. Investigation of possibility for creating a molecular recognition layer on the WGM MR surface for highly selective detection of target analytes, such as viruses, DNA, bacteria etc.
Candidate requirements (and skills):
• Holds a Doctoral degree/ PhD in photonics for not more than 5 years before the position announcement.

• Has hands-on experience in numerical calculation of photonic systems

• Has solid knowledge in photonics and photonics sensors.

• Has motivation for experimental work, passion for science.

• Is proficient in spoken and written English.

• Previous experience with WGM research will be of advantage but is not mandatory.

• Mobility and research experience abroad will be of advantage but is not mandatory.

• Previous success in funding applications will be of advantage.

• Can present research achievements including at least one publication in an international journal.
Additional information:
• Domestic and international travels
• The position is currently for a maximum of one year. The financing period must end on May 31, 2025.
• Employment status
It is a full-time, 100% research position with no teaching obligations. However, the successful candidate will have an opportunity to supervise B.Sc. and M.Sc (and partially Ph.D.) students and teach selected classes.
Salary: according to max. rate allowed in the POST-DOC PW competition.
How to apply
Applications and any questions should be sent to:
Piotr Lesiak (piotr.lesiak@pw.edu.pl)
Applications must include
• a CV of a candidate,
• a list of talks and up to 5 most important publications (indicating the contribution of a candidate to those publications),
• a brief statement of research interests,
• Two letters of reference, to be sent by referees directly to Piotr Lesiak (piotr.lesiak@pw.edu.pl).
A candidate must have received a Ph.D. in photonics within the last five years to qualify.
Selection process
The final choice of candidates will be made on a competitive basis, based on assessing research achievements, scientific skills, and an interview with the best candidates.
This position will be open until filled. To receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by April 5, 2024.
Please include the following statement in your CV:
"I hereby give consent to process my personal data included in the offer for the purposes of the recruitment procedure in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act dated 29.08.1997 (Consolidated text: Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, 2016, item 922, as amended)."
• Contact: Piotr Lesiak (piotr.lesiak@pw.edu.pl)
• Letters of Reference should be sent to: Piotr Lesiak (piotr.lesiak@pw.edu.pl)