Descripción
About the position We invite applications for a PhD Research Fellow position in molecular fingerprinting in organoids using Raman and autofluorescence micro-spectroscopy, available at the Department of Physics of the University of Oslo (UiO). The starting date is no later than 1 April 2027. The fellowship period is three years. No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. The place of work is the Department of Physics in Blindern, Oslo. Background of project This doctoral project will develop and apply advanced label-free optical spectroscopy approaches to investigate molecular and metabolic changes in organoid models of viral infection. The project will combine Raman micro-spectroscopy and UV–visible autofluorescence (AF) spectroscopy, providing complementary information on the biochemical and metabolic state of biological samples without requiring external fluorescent labels. Raman micro-spectroscopy, primarily using 785 nm excitation, will obtain molecular fingerprints associated with lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and metabolites. Complementary UV–visible autofluorescence spectroscopy in the 350–500 nm spectral range will probe endogenous fluorescence signatures associated with cellular metabolism and biochemical composition. The project will investigate both free-space spectroscopy and waveguide-enhanced spectroscopic approaches, including waveguide-enhanced Raman and waveguide-based autofluorescence spectroscopy, with the aim of improving sensitivity to subtle molecular changes. Photonic waveguides provide strong and spatially extended light–matter interaction through the evanescent optical field, offering opportunities to enhance Raman signals and AF-signals and improve sensitivity compared with conventional free-space measurements. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying spectral signatures associated with early molecular alterations and metabolic reprogramming that may precede observable stru