Post-Doctoral Associate, Advanced Optical Diagnostics and Microbial Dynamics, Dr. Jiarong Hong

Postdoctoral Researcher Opening in Advanced Optical Diagnostics and Microbial Dynamics
University of Minnesota
Prof. Jiarong Hong

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an exciting NSF-funded collaborative project between the University of Minnesota and Yale University (Prof. Jing Yan's group). This project focuses on the development and application of cutting-edge optical diagnostic tools to investigate microbial dynamics, particularly the interactions between free-swimming bacteria and biofilms in complex environments. The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in the development of HoloCon-a novel imaging platform that integrates real-time three-dimensional digital in-line holography (DIH) with confocal microscopy-to enable simultaneous, high-resolution visualization of both motile and sessile bacterial populations. Through this work, we aim to uncover the fundamental mechanisms governing microbial competition, colonization, and biofilm resistance.

Key responsibilities include:
* 45% - Designing and conducting advanced experiments using HoloCon to study microbial interactions.
* 45% - Developing and optimizing machine learning algorithms for real-time data analysis and 3D tracking.
* 10% - Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams at both University of Minnesota and Yale University, bridging expertise in fluid dynamics, microbiology, and imaging science.

The postdoc will be supervised by Prof. Jiarong Hong and collaborate with Prof. Jing Yan (Yale University), with opportunities to contribute to other innovative research programs within the Flow Field Imaging Lab at the University of Minnesota.
Start date: May 1, 2025, or later
Duration: 2 years, with potential extension up to 4 years
For more information or to apply, please contact Prof. Jiarong Hong at jhong@umn.edu.

Required Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a laboratory environment.
- Background in experimental fluid dynamics, optical diagnostics, biophysics, or microbial ecology.
- Experience with digital holography, particle tracking, confocal microscopy, or advanced imaging techniques.
- Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data processing and system integration.
- Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, biology, and engineering.

The St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) is an interdisciplinary fluid mechanics research lab and educational facility under the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota.

We are engineers and scientists who collaborate across disciplines to solve fluids-related problems in the Earth-surface environment. Our vision encompasses both science and practice, beginning with basic research and moving through application, decision-making, and management.

Located on Hennepin Island in the Mississippi River in the heart of Minneapolis, SAFL serves as a resource for departments across the Twin Cities campus, the statewide University system, and the broader research community. We partner with local, state and federal agencies; private consulting firms; businesses of many kinds; technical associations; and other educational institutions to expand knowledge and solve problems

Pay Range: $58,484-$60,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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