Kempe Foundations

Umeå University is advertising a postdoctoral scholarship in laser-based chemical imaging, with a focus on mid-infrared photothermal microscopy and quantitative phase imaging. The project sits at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering, biology, environmental science, and materials science, and is hosted by the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics.

The research aims to improve the sensitivity, spatial resolution, and quantification capabilities of widefield MIP microscopy. The successful candidate will work on advanced optical imaging and laser spectroscopy methods, develop quantitative protocols, and apply them to biologically and environmentally relevant samples. Example applications include studying fatty acid uptake in living 3T3-L1 model cells and detecting nano- and microplastics in municipal wastewater samples.

This is a two-year, full-time scholarship funded by the Kempe Foundations. The stipend is tax-free and totals SEK 720,000 overall, typically paid in four installments. The position is based in Umeå, Sweden, with a planned start date of 1 September 2026 or by agreement.

Eligibility requires a completed doctoral degree or equivalent by the final decision date. The doctorate should be in physics, applied physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a closely related field. Strong candidates will have documented experience with optical imaging techniques, microscopes, laser spectroscopic methods, biological/environmental sample preparation, and quantitative data analysis such as signal processing, modeling, statistics, or machine learning. Excellent English communication skills are required.

Preferred experience includes mid-infrared photothermal microscopy, quantitative phase imaging, QLSI, absorption spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, high-power nanosecond-pulsed lasers, molecular spectroscopy, and mathematical modeling of light-matter interactions. The project also values scientific independence and broader academic engagement.

The application deadline is 21 July 2026. Applicants must submit a cover letter, degree documentation, transcripts, CV with publication list, thesis copy/link, three relevant articles, and contact details for two referees. More information and the application portal are available through the university posting.