About the lab:
Our lab is a new lab starting in Summer 2025 at Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at University of California, Irvine. We are broadly interested in leveraging computational optics, optical system design, and machine learning/AI to improve optical microscopy, sensing, and information processing. Our overarching goal is to develop and build novel optical tools to advance discovery in fundamental science and impact real-world applications, particularly in biology and medicine.
More on research directions can be found at :
About the PI: Fei Xia is an incoming Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at the University of California, Irvine. She completed her Ph.D. at Cornell University and is completing her postdoc at Department of Physics at École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris. During her postdoc, she has been a frequent visiting researcher at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. Her research intersects optics, computation, and the brain, with a particular interest in designing advanced optical systems to image, sense, and process biomedical information probed by light. She aims to provide innovative solutions to challenging biomedical needs through the co-design of hardware and software. Fei has been recognized by several major awards and honors in optics and data science.
Qualification: We are particularly interested in postdoc candidates with experimental experience, preferably with a background in experimental optics. Experience in independently building optical systems, such as optical microscopy, optical imaging, and sensing systems, quantum optics, is a plus but not required.
For postdoc training, we prioritize your career development and aim to create an environment in our lab where postdocs can thrive and grow into independent researchers or future leaders and experts in related industry.
General philosophy of the lab:
At the Xia Lab, we believe that diverse communities—where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported—are where groundbreaking ideas and creative achievements are born. We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to the lab and find space for self-expression through science. If this resonates with you, please get in touch!
University of California, Irvine (UCI) is among the top 10 public universities in the United States. Located in Irvine, one of the safest and happiest cities in the country, UCI provides an exceptional environment for both academic and personal growth.
Irvine at a glance:
- Irvine ranks as the “Safest City” of its size for the past 18 consecutive years (FBI).
- Location of thousands of multinational businesses — including one-third of all Fortune 500 companies — in a variety of industries such as pharmaceutical, computer, electronics, manufacturing, biotechnology/medicine, design, automotive, and communications. This makes us surrounded by global and national companies, such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Broadcom, Blizzard Entertainment, Edwards Lifesciences, and many fast growing startups in Southern California.
- Enjoys 281 sunny days per year, with average temperatures ranging from 64° F (18° C) in January to 82° F (28° C) in August.
- Located next to the famed sailing and surfing beaches of Newport, Laguna, and Huntington and is near Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs.
- Home to the renowned Segerstrom Center for the Arts, which offers a wide variety of musical, dance, and theater productions, including national tours of famous Broadway shows.
- A diverse and highly educated population of 281,707 (2020).
- 16,000 acres of open space preservation (by build out), 63 miles of bike trails, 60 public parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and ecological reserves.
Our lab is proudly affiliated with the world-renowned Beckman Laser Institute, a global leader in advanced optical technologies and interdisciplinary research. UCI’s strategic location also places it close to numerous top research institutes and corporate offices, facilitating easy collaboration with leading experts across various fields.
Beyond academic excellence, Irvine offers a high quality of life with master-planned neighborhoods, top-rated schools for children, and easy access to beautiful beaches, parks, and year-round outdoor activities. The city enjoys consistently good weather, contributing to its high happiness levels and making it an ideal place to live and work.
UCI also offers affordable apartment options for students and researchers, ensuring a comfortable living experience close to campus.
We hope to welcome you here at Irvine!