Quantifying composition and function of complex microbial systems is key to progress in understanding the important role that bacteria play in human health, from the gut microbiome to the global problem of anti-microbial resistance. Traditional microbial characterization approaches are often destructive, insufficient in resolution and sensitivity, and are subject to bias inherent in the measurement process. New methods for quantitative, in situ characterization are essential for gaining insight into microbial communities in their unperturbed state.

This project will use in situ advanced imaging techniques such as broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman (BCARS), quantum cascade laser infrared (QCL-IR), and fluorescence microscopies to obtain quantitative characterization of bacteria identity and location, metabolic state, and signaling molecules in commercially and clinically relevant mixed microbial communities and biofilms and compare the findings to traditional microbial analytical tools.

 

key words

Bacteria; biofilm; fluorescence; imaging; infrared; microbe; microbial; microbial community; microbiology; microbiome; microscopy; Raman

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants