Openings

The Quinn Lab is always interested in discussing research opportunities with highly motivated individuals seeking postdoctoral and graduate student positions. Applicants are encouraged to email Dr. Quinn directly in addition to formally applying to a research program or open position. See below for specific information regarding training opportunities for different academic backgrounds.



Prospective Postdoctoral Fellows:

Individuals seeking postdoctoral research positions are encouraged to contact the Quinn Lab. Potential research projects include the development of optical biomarkers to characterize chronic wounds, understanding age-related changes in cell metabolism, and the evaluation of wound healing therapies through preclinical animal models.

We are particularly interested in discussing potential opportunities with individuals that have an established background in one of the following areas:

  1. Biomedical optics: Individuals with experience in the design and use of tabletop optical devices is desired. Experiences building and/or maintaining a laser scanning microscope and a background in time correlated single photon counting are preferred. Individuals should have knowledge of confocal and non-linear optical microscopy and a comfort level with computer-controlled instrumentation. Expertise in programming for image acquisition and analysis is highly desirable.

  2. Animal models of wound healing: Experience with in vivo surgeries, animal handling and care is necessary. Individuals with experience using diabetic rodent models are preferred. Familiarity with histology, immunohistochemistry, PCR, and cell culture protocols is highly desirable.

  3. Data science and image analysis: Programming experience is necessary. Individuals with experience using machine learning, convolutional neural networks, and/or generative adversarial networks are preferred. Familiarity with Python and Matlab is highly desirable.

Effective communications skills are critical, and the individual should have an ability to coordinate multiple projects and work independently in a collaborative environment. Interested candidates should send an email to Dr. Kyle Quinn (kpquinn AT uark.edu) detailing their research interests and background, their CV, and copies of up to three representative first author publications.


Prospective Graduate Students:

Graduate student positions are available in the Quinn Lab to work on a multi-disciplinary project in the fields of biomedical optics and wound healing. Using two-photon excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation imaging, changes in cell metabolism and collagen organization can be quantified in live tissues. We are looking for PhD students to help develop non-invasive, label-free optical biomarkers based on these imaging technologies for the early detection of chronic wounds. Through this project, the student will obtain training in biomedical optics, image processing, in vitro tissue culture, and live animal surgeries. Additional research efforts include the integration of multi-photon imaging and mechanical testing to evaluate structure-function relationships during cutaneous scar remodeling.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project, exceptional candidates from a wide range of backgrounds will be considered including those individuals with a B.S. or M.S. in biomedical engineering, other related engineering disciplines, physics, and biology.

Applicants must have a strong academic record. Experience using Matlab for image analysis is highly desirable, and students with backgrounds in cell culture, animal handling, and/or microscopy are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should send an email detailing their research interests and background, as well as a CV (with GPA and GRE scores) to Dr. Kyle Quinn (kpquinn AT uark.edu). For application instructions and a description of the Ph.D. program in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, please visit the Department website.


Prospective Undergraduate Research Assistants:

Undergraduates interested in volunteering in the lab, conducting research for credit, or seeking to complete their honors thesis/project are welcome to contact the Quinn Lab. We are particularly interested in self-motivated, independent individuals, with a long-term interest in biomedical research and familiarity using Matlab. Interested students should contact Dr. Quinn (kpquinn AT uark.edu) with 2-3 paragraphs detailing: