Postdoctoral Fellow in Advanced Mueller Polarimetric Imaging for In Vivo Biomedical Applications

The LPICM is a global pioneer in Mueller Polarimetric Imaging for biomedical applications, being among the first to deploy this technique in vivo in clinical settings. Our research focuses on probing cervical microstructure for two key applications: (i) enhancing detection and surgical excision of precancerous lesions; and (ii) reliably diagnosing premature births in pregnant women.

Despite the challenges of in vivo implementation, our biomedical team has developed a Mueller Polarimetric Colposcope (MPC), currently undergoing a clinical trial on hundreds of pregnant women at the University Hospital of Kremlin-Bicêtre (France). This study evaluates the MPC's ability to monitor pregnancy progression and diagnose prematurity. We collaborate closely with institutions like the Centre des Mathématiques Appliquées (CMAP) at École Polytechnique to integrate machine learning and deep learning for automated diagnostics.

A new trial at Hôpital Foch (France) will assess the MPC's performance in detecting precancerous lesions. Additionally, we are advancing Mueller polarimetry integration into endoscopic systems for internal organ exploration.

As part of the POLARIMA project, the selected postdoc will drive the development of next-generation Mueller polarimetric imaging systems, combining cutting-edge instrumentation with AI algorithms. These systems will deliver high-quality in vivo images tailored to clinical needs, prioritizing speed, compactness, and ergonomics.

The position unfolds in three phases, within a multidisciplinary team involving image processing labs (e.g., CMAP) and French hospitals (e.g., CHU Kremlin-Bicêtre, Hôpital Foch, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Institut Gustave Roussy).

• Phase 1: Design and develop a high-performance MPC prototype adapted to medical constraints. Key tasks include:
  • Optimizing the illumination and detection systems, along with associated optics, to maximize signal-to-noise ratio, ensure rapid acquisition (minimizing motion artifacts from patient movements like breathing or heartbeat), and achieve high-resolution macroscopic images across visible to near-infrared wavelengths. Include options for precision magnification without signal loss.
  • Creating a compact, miniaturized polarimetric module adaptable to commercial colposcopes, integrating components like polarizers, waveplates, liquid crystals, and spectral filters.
  • Developing a user-friendly calibration system for clinicians.
  • Testing and optimizing the MPC in vivo under real conditions.
  • Contributing to image post-processing (denoising, Mueller matrix calculation/decomposition) and AI-based diagnostic algorithms using machine/deep learning.

The primary challenge will be to deliver practitioner-relevant cervical images in under 0.5 seconds in vivo, including acquisition, processing, and diagnostics. 

The post-doctoral fellow will work in close collaboration with an embedded systems engineer developing the software and electronics for the new MPC prototype, and a PhD student creating and testing automated diagnostic algorithms using unique in-vivo databases from clinical trials launched by the LPICM in collaboration with several hospitals.

• Phase 2: Adapt the optics to incorporate complementary techniques (e.g., Speckle, OCT, Fluorescence) for innovative multimodal, multiscale cervical analysis in vivo.
• Phase 3 (Extension): Modify optics for other medical imaging systems, such as polarimetric endoscopes.

• Advanced expertise in optical instrumentation, measurements on complex systems, data processing, and physical modeling.
• Strong knowledge of physics and algebraic calculus.
• Proficiency in programming complex measurement systems, with in-depth experience in languages like MATLAB, Python, C/C++, and LabVIEW.
• Basic understanding of electronics and embedded systems.
• Methodical, rigorous, creative, and challenge-oriented mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment, integrating diverse expertise.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluency in English.
• Candidates should hold a PhD in Physics, Optics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience in biomedical optical imaging is highly valued.