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MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR BIOPHYSIKALISCHE CHEMIE KARL-FRIEDRICH-BONHOEFFER-INSTITUT GÖTTINGEN
The Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics (Head: Dr. Thomas M. Jovin) at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen Germany, offers a
Postdoctoral Position Systems developer of an “intelligent Programmable Array Microscope (iPAM)” (Code Number 26-12) The Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics, headed by MPIbpc Director Emeritus Thomas Jovin, has been awarded a 3 year 1.4 Million Euro "Validierung des Innovationspotenzials wissenschaftlicher Forschung" (V.I.P.) grant of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research to finalize the development of "a rapid widefield microscope for 3D fluorescence measurements". The "intelligent Programmable Array Microscope" (iPAM) is an inherently high-throughput system - actually a module - capable of rapid, widefield, optically sectioned, multi-parameter fluorescence imaging. It utilizes the newest high-definition (1080p) digital micromirror device (DMD) of Texas Instruments as a spatial light modulator (SLM). The latter has a dual function: (1) illumination of the sample by a series of arbitrary, systematically structured binary patterns, and (2) collection and dissection of the in-focus and out-of-focus components of the resultant emission into two images registered by newest generation sCMOS cameras operated in tandem. The dual images are processed together in real-time to generate, display and record optically-sectioned representations of the sample. The very high, programmable duty cycle (up to 50% of the pixels are illuminated simultaneously) and efficient detection provide unprecedented speed, sensitivity, and adaptability for studies of living cells. The technology is much simpler than in other "confocal" instruments. In the iPAM, the SLM is located at a position optically "conjugate" to the focus plane of the microscope to which it is coupled. It is programmed to "display" sequences of patterns selected by the user as modes of structured illumination (and detection) optimized for the particular sample. The patterns can be updated at up to 25000 times per second. By combination with modern sensitive, high-speed, low noise, large format (5 Megapixels) sCMOS cameras, it is anticipated that the system will achieve single (or few) molecule and nanoparticle sensitivity, and thereby enable the identification and tracking of cellular components in real time. Because of the programmable nature of the SLM the microscope has the capacity for adaptive light control. For example, the iPAM can react interactively to movements or intensity distributions and changes in the object of interest by minimizing the local light exposure, thereby reducing photobleaching more than 7-fold and sparing objects outside the field of view. The system also allows for spectrally-resolved imaging ("hyperspectral", polarization, FRET); photoactivation, FRAP and other photoconversion protocols; fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM, using a new phase sensitive CCD camera); and high speed superresolution imaging based on photoswitchable probes. A new family of bimodal photochromic compounds are being developed for that purpose.
The current iPAM team includes Anthony de Vries, Donna Arndt-Jovin, Florencia Gillanders (chemistry PhD student), and Tom Jovin. The position of "systems developer" is for someone with advanced programming skills who will have responsibility for integration of system components; real-time control of the DMD static and dynamic modes of operation; acquisition, processing, display, and storage of images; acquisition and processing of superresolution and timeresolved images; implementation of hyperspectral and light-field modes of operation; and data processing under all conditions. Knowledge of fundamental principles of physical optics, microscopy, and spectroscopy (fluorescence) are highly desirable. Essential is a temperament characterized by motivation, commitment, innovation, self-reliance, ambition, and team spirit. Knowledge of German is desirable but not essential; fluent English is required. The position will be available immediately. Payment will be according to the German TVöD standard. The Max Planck Society is trying to increase the percentage of women on its scientific staff and strongly encourages applications from qualified women. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more handicapped individuals and especially encourages them to apply. Please send your application (preferably as a single pdf file) with reference to the code number via e-mail to
[email protected] Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics Dr. Thomas M. Jovin Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen Germany
