Alexander Jesacher

This PhD project investigates deep tissue imaging with nonlinear microscopy and adaptive optics at the Institute of Biomedical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria. The doctoral researcher will work with an adaptive-optics nonlinear microscope built around a high-power pulsed laser system. The research will focus on novel methods for correcting optical aberrations and light scattering in thick tissue, with the goal of extending imaging depth beyond the current state of the art. Applications will be developed together with the Institute of Neuropathology, connecting advanced biophotonics and experimental microscopy with biomedical imaging. The project is supervised by Alexander Jesacher and co-supervised by Adelheid Wöhrer, providing an interdisciplinary environment spanning optical physics, microscopy, tissue imaging and neuropathology. The researcher will join the structured doctoral training environment of the Image Guided Diagnosis and Therapy PhD program, with international academic and industry exposure through planned secondments.

The Medical University of Innsbruck is offering fully funded PhD and postdoctoral positions in Biomedical Optics as part of the ERC Advanced Grant project "DeepVibes". The DeepVibes project aims to revolutionize optical microscopy by enabling deep tissue imaging with molecular specificity and diffraction-limited resolution. This is achieved through the integration of label-free, chemically specific Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy, adaptive optics, dynamic wavefront shaping, and advanced computational imaging techniques. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research topics, including the development of laser scanning microscopes with active wavefront control, computational imaging and inverse reconstruction, optical tomography, coherent Raman microscopy, and AI-assisted image reconstruction and analysis. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining physics, engineering, computer science, and biomedical applications, and offers state-of-the-art laser laboratories and instrumentation. Applicants should have a strong background in Physics, Photonics, Computational Microscopy, Optical Engineering, or closely related fields. Experience in experimental lab work, scientific programming (Python), optical microscopy, and machine learning is highly valued. Excellent English language skills are required, and candidates should be highly motivated with 1–4 years of relevant research experience. The Medical University of Innsbruck provides a supportive research environment, excellent opportunities for scientific development, and participation in international conferences. The city of Innsbruck, located in the heart of the Alps, offers an exceptional quality of life and is renowned for its vibrant scientific community and outdoor sports. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled, with the earliest start date being 1 January 2027. To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts (for PhD applicants), publication list (for postdoctoral applicants), and contact details of at least two referees to Prof. Alexander Jesacher at [email protected]. For further information, visit the Institute of Biomedical Physics website or contact Prof. Jesacher directly. Funding is provided through the ERC Advanced Grant (Horizon Europe), covering salary and access to state-of-the-art laboratories. For more details, see the official position announcement on Euraxess.