The quantum nanophotonics and biosensing lab at U. New Mexico (PI: Victor Acosta) seeks highly motivated postdoctoral candidates for a project to develop novel optical NMR platforms based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. This is a highly multidisciplinary project that combines new techniques in optical nuclear polarization and NMR microscopy using NV centers in diamond nanostructures. The goal is to develop a microfluidic NMR microscope with high sensitivity and resolution. Applications include sub-cellular monitoring of metabolic activity in cell cultures and molecular composition analysis of solutions for pharmaceutical testing.
The project builds off of recently-published results from Acosta’s lab:
P. Kehayias*, A. Jarmola*, N. Mosavian, I. Fescenko, F.M. Benito, A. Laraoui, J. Smits, L. Bougas, D. Budker, A. Neumann, S. Brueck, V.M. Acosta, Solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy on a nanostructured diamond chip, Nature Communications 8 188 (2017)(https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-00266-4).
While working on the project, the postdoc will:
★ Apply quantum mechanics, nanophotonics, and biochemistry to emerging new fields.
★ Learn semiconductor nanofabrication techniques in world-class cleanrooms (CHTM, CINT).
★ Collaborate with partners in academia (Harvard, Berkeley, etc.), nearby national labs (Los Alamos National Lab, Sandia National Labs), and industry (ODMR Tech)
The position will be based in Acosta’s labs at UNM’s Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM) in Albuquerque, NM. CHTM is a multidisciplinary center housing labs of chemists, physicists, and bio/electrical engineers. The Center features state-of-art construction (ultra-low vibration, magnetic noise) and a fully-equipped nanofabrication cleanroom. This position is funded by projects from NIH, NSF, the Beckman Foundation, Google, and Los Alamos.
A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field is required. Experience in magnetic resonance, biochemistry tool development, or quantum optics is desired. Experience in magnetometry or NV centers is also helpful. The anticipated start date is Fall 2017. Compensation is commensurate with experience. UNM is an equal opportunity employer.
To be considered, email Victor Acosta (vmacosta@unm.edu) the following application materials:
Cover letter describing research interests and career goals.
CV with complete publication record.
Contact information for 3 references (including PhD supervisor).
More information is available on the lab website: https://sites.google.com/site/victormarcelacosta/
