Research Fellow (Optical Imaging with Single-Photon Detector)

Join Our Team at Centre for Disruptive Photonic Technologies, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

A Research Fellow position is currently available at the Centre for Disruptive Photonic Technologies (CDPT), School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

The Research Fellow (Project Leader) will be required to substantially advance a research programme on single‑photon, label‑free optical imaging by integrating in‑house single‑photon detectors with a scanning microscope platform. The role will build and validate a prototype microscope with enhanced sensitivity and contrast, evaluate label‑free and fluorescence imaging modes, and develop robust hardware/software workflows for low‑light measurements.

Key Responsibilities:

As an integral part of the project, the Research Fellow is expected to conduct research in single-photon regime optical imaging and photonic technologies, establish calibrated imaging protocols, benchmark performance on standard targets, and provide experimental feedback to guide detector and system optimization. The position involves hands‑on optical setup, instrumentation control, data analysis, and dissemination of results through publications, reports, and IP contributions.

The Research Fellow is expected to work, generate ideas and experimentally prove them both independently and within team-working efforts with other researchers working on the project to deliver state‑of‑the‑art single‑photon imaging capabilities.

Job Requirements:

The Research Fellow will be required to:

• Design, assemble, and align a single‑photon‑enabled scanning microscope; integrate detector modules, synchronization electronics, and time‑tagging workflows.

• Develop imaging protocols and benchmark sensitivity, contrast, resolution, and acquisition strategies on calibrated samples.

• Operating and maintaining research laboratories, including advanced microscopy and spectroscopy equipment, in compliance with safety and laboratory protocols.

• Analyze data, prepare scientific publications, and present findings at international conferences.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners on joint research projects and technology development.

• Contribute to progress reports, project meetings, and support day-to-day laboratory operations.

Moreover, applicants:

• Must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Optical/Photonic Engineering, or closely related disciplines

• Applicants must have relevant research experience in confocal/scanning microscopy, optical alignment, and precision opto-mechanics.

• Applicants must have a good track record of scientific publications in international peer reviewed journals

• Applicants preferably should demonstrate extensive research experience in optical imaging setups such as low photon detectors/ timing/synchronization, data acquisition, and executing systematic imaging/measurement protocols.

• Applicants preferably should be familiar with single-photon detection concepts and time-correlated single-photon counting workflows, awareness of noise, efficiency, and timing trade-offs in low-light imaging.

• Applicants should show ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research team.

• Applicants should show strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work both independently and within an institution.

NTU seeks a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.