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The primary objective of the project is to develop the first Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopic-microfluidic system for non-invasive imaging of live cells and apply it to rapid leukemia cell imaging, diagnostics, sorting and assessment of chemosensitivity in vitro. Multidisciplinary teams of experts establishing the consortium will characterize Raman spectra of leukemic cells and link them to biological features of the disease. These data will be thereafter used to design and construct, microfluidic-based diagnostic device utilizing SRS microscopy which will allow for quick and reliable differentiation between different types of leukemia cells providing clinicians with quantitative information crucial to make proper decisions during the course of the treatment. The envisaged microfluidic-SRS instrument will fill the gap in the current diagnostic methodology of leukemia, accelerate diagnostics and decrease its cost. Moreover, the developed methodology will open new areas of application in leukemia research.

We are looking for highly motivated young researchers (1-5 years after obtaining their PhD), with hands-on experience and good skills in one or more of the following disciplines: microfluidics, robotics, microelectronics, automation, programming, image acquisition and image analysis, optofluidics, acoustofluidics. The successful candidate will join a multinational and interdisciplinary team of scientists and will be responsible for designing and constructing innovative microfluidic systems for manipulation and sorting of leukemia cells.  Key responsibilities include the development of an automated trap-and-release system as a central module for cell manipulation and signal acquisition and/or a cell sorter to isolate positively identified cells based on their Raman signal. Additionally, the candidate will closely cooperate with the PhD students participating in the project, providing transfer of know-how and knowledge.

• Designing, constructing and testing microfluidic systems for manipulation of single cells (preferentially by optical- and/or by acoustic waves and by hydrodynamic traps)
• Integrating the microfluidic module with the SRS and optimizing the setup for signal acquisition and differentiation for the microfluidic sorter module.
• Improving image acquisition and developing an image recognition software/module and integrate it with the SRS system as an additional detection module facilitating detection, recognition and sorting of leukemia cells in the stream of WBCs.
• Data analysis, writing reports and scientific publications
• Cooperation with researchers, including communication with English-speaking colleagues
• Support, supervision and mentoring of PhD students

• Monthly salary of 10 000 PLN (gross/gross amount including employer's expense. It will be subject to taxes, social and health insurance and other legal deductions according to Polish law), The position is financed by the Foundation for Polish Science Team-NET project No. POIR.04.04.00-00-16ED/18.
• Work in the outstanding scientific institution, in the dynamic research group with members representing diverse interests and qualifications, see details on the website: https://www.micof.pl/en/
• Possibility to collaborate with research groups engaged in the project (University of Warsaw, Medical University of Lodz, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Jagiellonian University of Cracow)
• Engagement in an ambitious research program and possibility to build the academic career
• Participation in international conferences and Erasmus+ projects

• PhD in physics, engineering, chemistry, biotechnology or similar obtained a not more than 5 years prior to joining the project
• Solid knowledge and hands-on experience with experimental microfluidic systems (ideally experience with development of microfluidic systems for applications in microbiology)
• Good programming skills and proficiency in MATLAB, python and/or other programming languages is desired.
• Hands-on experience with photolithography and/or other microfabrication techniques
• Additional experience in one or more of the following fields is welcome: optics, optofluidics, acustofluidics, Raman Spectroscopy, microbiology, automation
• Creativity and enthusiasm measured by the quality and number of projects, internships, authorship in peer-reviewed publications and patents in which the Candidate participated and contributed
• Analytical thinking and critical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communications, organization and time management skills
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• Flexibility and ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural research team
• Experience in supervision and mentoring of MSc students

Competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project, previous scientific achievements of candidates, awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research.