Photophysics of Fluorescent Proteins and Quantum Spectroscopy of Molecular Systems
This grant researches fluorescent protein engineering for improved brightness and uses quantum-engineered light to enhance spectroscopy of complex molecular systems.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $82,764 base stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration is 2 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship supporting research in biophysics, chemical physics, and quantum optics focused on fluorescent protein engineering and quantum-enhanced spectroscopy of molecular systems.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree earned within the last 5 years; requires contacting the research adviser prior to application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Physical Measurement Laboratory in Boulder, CO, supports cutting-edge research at the intersection of biophysics, chemical physics, and quantum optics. The research focuses on two main areas:
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Quantum Spectroscopy of Molecular Systems: Utilizing "quantum engineered" light at the single or few photon level to exploit quantum mechanical phenomena such as entanglement, superposition, and coherence. The goal is to enhance the sensitivity and information content of spectroscopy applied to complex molecular and nanomaterial systems in realistic environments like room temperature liquids, thin films, or crystals.
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Photophysics of Fluorescent Proteins (FPs): Engineering fluorescent proteins to achieve photophysical properties, particularly brightness, superior to conventional organic fluorophores. This involves using random and targeted mutagenesis to develop new red/far-red FPs with improved spectral and cellular characteristics. The lab employs novel microfluidic screening systems to analyze large mutant libraries, enabling high-throughput selection of protein variants with desirable fluorescence qualities.
Recent publications related to this research include:
- Quantum spectroscopy advances: Phys. Rev. Applied 15, 044012 (2021)
- Fluorescent protein engineering: Biochemistry 59, 0c00484 (2020) and Lab Chip 19, 0C9LC00790C (2019)
The fellowship provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship under Dr. Ralph Jimenez.
