Research Specialist D - Advanced Core for Microscope Engineering

The newly established Advanced Core for Microscope Engineering (ACME) at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine will provide custom built ad hoc optical microscopy solutions, advanced image analysis, and consultation services to researchers across the Penn campus and beyond. The core will take advantage of modular hardware and software technology being developed in the Mir Lab (mir-lab.com) which will allow for rapid prototyping and construction of instruments. This is inherently a new type of core model which combines engineering new technologies in response to desired experimental designs instead of working within the bounds of commercially available technology. The core is co-directed by Dr. Mustafa Mir (mir-lab.com), Dr. Melike Lakadamyali (lakadamyali-lab.com/), Dr. Yihui Shen (https://www.imaging-systems-metabolism-lab.com/), and Dr. Andrea Stout (https://www.med.upenn.edu/cdbmicroscopycore/).

We are seeking a microscope Research Specialist/Engineer to support the mission of the core. The role will include developing and implementing new microscope hardware, control software, customized analysis pipelines as well as collaborating with core users. We anticipate initial applications will include light-sheet microscopy, super-resolution imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and single-molecule tracking.

The ideal candidate has experience designing and implementing optics hardware (ideally microscopes), is fluent in Python and/or LabView, and is familiar with digital and analog signal processing. Additionally, they are curious, hard-working, detail oriented, and well-organized with the capability to work on multiple projects at a time with collaborators. Previous experience working in the field of biomedical imaging is highly desired. There will be ample opportunities to publish in this position.

In this role, the employee will be expected to initiate, contribute and manage development of multiple projects and microscopes at direction of Principal Investigator. Designs and conducts instrument development projects which includes proposal development, design hardware and software, data collection, qualitative analyses, and report writing to name a few. Develops literature, reports, manuscripts and publications to drive funding opportunities. Develops relationships with existing and potential funders, research partners, research sites, regulatory offices and affiliated organizations as part of stakeholder management. Responsible to train and supervise staff. Develop and implement all safety procedures in the lab including drafting and implementing new SOPs and protocols for general laboratory practices, in compliance with safety regulations. Close partnership with Core Leadership team to ensure success of all projects.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific experiments
• Maintain and edit lab database information
• Supervision of animal maintenance
• Assisting with manuscript publications
• Liaison with collaborators
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Master of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Candidates with a PhD strongly preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Design hardware using CAD (Autodesk Inventor, Zemax)
• Write software (primarily in Python)
• Work with core collaborators to understand experimental needs and iterate on designs prior to implementation
• Implement and test hardware and train others to use it
• Develop ideas for new hardware and analysis approaches for microscopy
• Develop content for grant proposals and manuscripts

Qualifications: Master of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Candidates should have a degree in physics, computer science, engineering or a related field. Master's or PhD preferred; experience in designing and implementing optics/microscopy experiments.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual, must have strong organizational skills, good oral and written communication skills, and be able to work independently and be a team player. Ability to coordinate multiple projects independently. Competitive pay based on experience.