Engineer in Research Inter

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Carbon fiber electrodes are an emerging electrode technology that has shown promise for use in brainmachine interfaces because of their biocompatibility, recording capabilities, and their ease in neurosurgery. This project will involve developing manufacturing processes and tools to support fabricating novel carbon fiber electrodes and testing their implantation in large batches on a regular basis.

We seek an engineer who can perform highly dexterous movements under a microscope and who has the ingenuity to improve and automate the assembly steps. Should have proven skills for designing and overseeing the manufacturing of tools and fixtures to facilitate the automation of carbon fiber electrode manufacturing and improve surgical tools for inserting these electrodes. Must be willing to learn new skills including characterization of electrodes and small animal surgery. Must contribute data analysis and writing to scientific manuscripts (under direction of senior lab personnel). Additional responsibilities will include documenting the assembly process, troubleshooting unexpected results, designing and executing test protocols, establishing & maintaining an organized and quality-oriented workspace, and ordering supplies as needed for lab experiments.

• Precision Assembly: Perform highly dexterous micro-assembly and electrode fabrication, both manually and using robotic assembly tools.
• Fixture and tool Design: Lead the design and manufacturing of custom tools and fixtures to mechanize production and to improve electrode implantation.
• Quality & Operations: Establish rigorous test protocols, document processes, and maintain a quality-oriented workspace for manufacturing and experimentation.
• Testing and Inspection: Conduct mechanical tests, electrical tests, and microscopy to evaluate the structure and performance of neural recording electrodes and devices.
• Small animal surgery (will train).
• Materials characterization (SEM, TEM, XRD, will train).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or physics.
• 1-3 years of professional experience in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Good hand-eye coordination under a microscope.
• Skill at operating computer- or joystick-controlled tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, other staff, and outside entities.
• Flexibility to adapt to changes assembly processes and requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain an organized laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with electrode technology for neural recording and/or stimulation.
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience with advanced imaging systems such as Scanning Electron Microscopy.
• Experience with small animal surgery.
• An eye for suggesting improvements in assembly processes.

This is a one-year term-limited position with the possibility of extension based upon need and funding. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.