Position Overview:
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, MIT Mechanical Engineering, So Lab
The molecular and cellular heterogeneity of senescent cells remains poorly characterized. The knowledge gap is mainly due to the lack of proper technology to characterize the cell states, types, and circuits in intact tissues. Single cell multi-omics and molecular profiling assays have opened new windows into understanding the properties, regulation, dynamics, and function of cells at unprecedented resolution and scale. However, these assays are inherently destructive. Raman microscopy offers a unique opportunity to comprehensively report on the vibrational energy levels of molecules in a label-free, nondestructive manner with subcellular spatial resolution. With recent advances in Raman microscopy, single-cell and spatial multi-omics, and machine learning, we have developed “Raman2RNA” (R2R), an experimental and computational framework to infer single-cell expression profiles in live cells through label- free hyperspectral Raman microscopy images combined with multi-modal data integration and domain translation. Based on R2R, we are developing “SenNetRaman”, an innovative experimental and computational platform to characterize the molecular heterogeneity of senescent cells through label-free hyperspectral Raman microscopy, single cell and spatial genomics, and machine learning. As a part of NIH Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet), the selected candidate will have opportunity to interact with other consortium teams. This position is funded by the NIH project (end date: 8/31/2026) with the possibility of extension based on the mutual interests and funding availability.
Required:
PhD in the mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, physics or related field. Extensive experiences on developing custom-designed optical microscopy/spectroscopy instruments. Strong experiences on computational data analysis. Work both independently and as part of a team, and interact effectively with collaborators. PREFERRED: Experiences on biomedical Raman spectroscopy.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Develop high-throughput spontaneous Raman microscopy
2. Perform Raman mapping on animal/human tissue slices
3. Perform immunohistochemistry imaging on animal/human tissue slices
4. Data analysis by aligning hyperspectral Raman image and spatial transcriptomics/IHC images
5. Prepare figures and drafts of manuscripts
Include a cover letter describing how this position relates to your past research experience. The CV should describe relevant projects and skills, including a list of relevant publications and contact information for three academic references. Please send the applications to jwkang76@mit.edu.