Postdoctoral Research Job in USA 2026 | University of Michigan

Ready to build a miniature microscope that images brain activity in freely moving animals? The Wang Laboratory at the University of Michigan seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ann Arbor. International applicants are welcome. If ultrafast optics and in vivo imaging excite you, this role offers hands-on research leadership.

About the Role

You will lead the experimental development, characterisation, and validation of a miniature, fibre-coupled multiphoton microscope. The instrument uses a remote-focusing design that enables large axial shifts while preserving high resolution. This includes measuring laser pulse quality through optical fibres and characterising point-spread function, field of view, and signal-to-noise ratio.

Additionally, you will integrate scanners, detectors, and acquisition software, and validate imaging in mouse models. You will work with optical-design, microsystems, and neuroscience teams. The work is supported by the NIH-funded National Center for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.

About the Hiring Firm

The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, founded in 1817. The Wang Laboratory sits in the Biomedical Science Research Building on its medical campus. It is led by Thomas D. Wang, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and of biomedical engineering. Wang directs the National Center for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, an NIH-funded P41 Imaging Center.

The centre develops miniature silicon-based devices for flexible, fibre-coupled live imaging instruments. The lab has femtosecond lasers, an intravital multiphoton microscope, and access to the Lurie Nanofabrication Facility.

Job Duties

• Characterise ultrafast laser and fibre-optic pulse delivery
• Assemble, align, and characterise the remote-focusing multiphoton system
• Implement and validate XY, XZ, multi-plane, and random-access imaging
• Integrate lasers, detectors, scanners, and acquisition software
• Develop MATLAB or Python methods to measure optical performance
• Validate imaging in freely behaving mouse models

Job Requirements

• PhD in optics, physics, electrical, biomedical, or mechanical engineering, or a related field
• Substantial hands-on experience with laser-based optical instrumentation
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex optical systems
• Experience with femtosecond lasers, nonlinear optics, or multiphoton microscopy preferred
• MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW proficiency preferred
• Preclinical or intravital imaging experience is desirable

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Conclusion

This role suits optics researchers ready to push miniature brain-imaging technology forward. With strong facilities and NIH-backed funding, the research environment is excellent. For postdoctoral scientists seeking translational impact, Michigan offers a compelling opportunity.

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