The Biomedical Optical Imaging Laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a postdoctoral associate to drive our research on how chromatin organization and epigenetic regulation influence cancer therapy resistance. Our group pioneers and integrates super-resolution microscopy, highly multiplexed fluorescence imaging, and quantitative phase imaging to investigate morphodynamic and molecular changes that underlie treatment failure and cancer progression.
You will join a multidisciplinary team of engineers and data scientists advancing our unique state-of-the-art imaging technology and computational pipelines. Representative achievements include:
1. An Omni-Mesoscope for multiscale high-throughput quantitative phase imaging of cellular dynamics and high-content molecular characterization | Science Advances
2. Multimodal whole slide image processing pipeline for quantitative mapping of tissue architecture and tissue microenvironment | npj Imaging
3. Super-resolution imaging reveals the evolution of higher-order chromatin folding in early carcinogenesis | Nature Communications
Responsibilities
- Design and execute imaging experiments in 2D and 3D cultures and tissue sections to map chromatin architecture and epigenetic marks in cancer cells with therapeutic resistance.
- Develop or adapt multiplexed fluorescence staining protocols and quantitative phase imaging workflows.
- Apply rigorous quantitative image analysis to gain biological insights.
- Prepare manuscripts, present findings at conferences, and help mentor junior trainees.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated proficiency in multiplexed fluorescence staining/imaging, 2D and 3D cell culture, and core molecular biology techniques.
- Strong quantitative skills for image analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, ImageJ/Fiji).
- Publication record reflecting creativity, independence, scientific rigor and attention to experimental detail.
- Highly desirable: hands-on experience with super-resolution or expansion microscopy, tissue clearing, chromatin biology, or epigenetics.
The interested candidates can learn more by visiting our website: https://yangliulab.github.io/index.html, and send a cover letter outlining their research experience and interests and a CV to Prof. Yang Liu by email (liuy46@illinois.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
We look forward to welcoming a motivated colleague who shares our vision of linking advanced optical imaging to transformative insights in cancer biology.
