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Post Doctoral Fellow in Fluorescence and Plasmonics Microscopy

Department: Chemistry and Biology
Position supervisor: Professor Stefania Impellizzeri
Contract length: 2 years
Hours of work per week: 36.25
Position type: Term Vacancy
Start Date: ASAP
Rate of pay: $48,000 per annum

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet (external link) , @TorontoMetHR (external link)  and @ECItorontomet (external link)  on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link) .

The opportunity

One Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in Professor Stefania Impellizzeri’s research group (https://www.impellizzerilab.com/ (external link) ) in the Department of Chemistry and Biology (https://www.torontomu.ca/chemistry-biology/) within the Faculty of Science at Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada. The research work will be conducted at Prof. Impellizzeri’s research laboratories at TMU on the main campus, as well as the TMU MaRS Research Facility. The successful applicant will be working on applying single molecule fluorescence microscopy and super-resolution microscopy techniques to study: i) the interactions between plasmonic metal nanoparticles and fluorescent probes (e.g., metal-enhanced fluorescence, plasmon-controlled fluorescence etc.), ii) single-molecule approaches to interrogate and understand the function and dynamics of heterogenous catalysis by nanoparticles, and iii) the behaviour of fluorescent nanostructures at the nanoscale.

Qualifications

  • The following qualifications and skills are required: 
    • PhD in Physical Materials Chemistry or equivalent.
    • Knowledge of photochemistry and photophysics.
    • Experience with steady-state UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.
    • Experience in heterogenous catalysis.
    • Experience with confocal fluorescence microscopy.
    • Experience with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy.
    • Ability to perform image analysis and processing (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji)
  • The following backgrounds are considered an asset or highly desirable: 
    • Experience with super-resolution microscopy techniques
    • Experience with electron microscopy (SEM and/or TEM).
    • Knowledge of MATLAB.
    • Experience with live cell imaging. 
  • Our expectation is that you will be:
    • Communicating effectively and promptly through weekly reports and timely response to emails (i.e., within 24 hr during the work week).
    • Currently knowledgeable or willing to learn about best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusivity.     
    • Living in (or willing to move to) Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario. 
    • Able to work in Canada. 
  • What you can expect from us:
    • Guaranteed salary at 48K for at least 2 years, with the possibility of extension.
    • A flexible work environment (in consultation with Dr. Stefania Impellizzeri).
    • The opportunity to collaborate with biology and biomedical science researchers in an interdisciplinary setting.
    • Inclusive work environment where everyone is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity, including implementation of best practices, team education and training activities.
    • The opportunity to present at conferences and publish your research.

To find out more or ask any questions, please feel welcome to reach out to Prof. Stefania Impellizzeri by email (simpellizzeri@torontomu.ca) or Twitter DM (@SfnImpellizzeri)

How to apply

Please email your application to Prof. Stefania Impellizzeri at simpellizzeri@torontomu.ca In the subject line please indicate: “PDF Application_Fluorescence and Plasmonics Microscopy” and upload the following:

  • Cover letter detailing your expertise/experience, how you meet the above qualification requirements, and your motivation for applying for this job. Ensure you highlight any experience working in the field of fluorescence microscopy applied to nanomaterials and plasmonics.
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Contact information of three professional references. Note: we will inform you before we contact them so you can make them aware. We will only ask for references for short-listed candidates.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications and also reach out to Tracey King, Indigenous Human Resources Lead for support during the selection process.