Expansion Microscopy Engineer: Brain Tissue & Imaging

University of Georgia- FACS; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan matching

In-person work environment

Flexible hours

Job summary

Mindspan is seeking an engineer-scientist to optimize, validate, and apply the expansion microscopy pipeline from fixation to imaging. You will drive quantitative assessments of each chemical step and develop robust, repeatable protocols for downstream automation and knowledge sharing.

You will collaborate with optical, computational, and automation teams, delivering high-quality data and methods to advance brain research and relate to real-world biomedical challenges.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, bioengineering, biophysics, neuroscience, or related field.
• Strong foundation in hydrogel and polymer network chemistry, protein chemistry; intuition for reaction design, analysis, interpretation.
• Essential confocal imaging experience, immunostaining tissues, optics understanding.
• Hands-on expansion microscopy and light-sheet microscopy is a strong plus.
• Able to analyze data computationally (Python, Fiji) and build quantitative metrics.
• Track record of independent method development with thoughtful benchmarking.
• Creative yet disciplined, quick and agile, with focus.
• Strong detail orientation and organizational, planning, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Self-motivation and service mindset; able to lead/manage and multitask.
• Open to feedback to advance scientific missions.

Responsibilities

• Fixation and tissue intake: develop intake and fixation for brain tissues; define acceptable samples.
• Anchoring, gelation, softening, staining: optimize chemistry, measure parameters, and context with gel properties.
• Imaging: develop acquisition protocols; perform image processing and data interpretation; provide QC metrics.
• Documentation and training: maintain protocol records; translate validated protocols to robotic execution; contribute data to open resources.

Skills

Immunostaining

Hydrogel chemistry

Data analysis

Independent method development

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry / related field

Tools

Fiji

Python

Confocal microscope

Job description

Mindspan is seeking an engineer-scientist to optimize, validate, and apply the expansion microscopy pipeline from fixation to imaging. You will drive quantitative assessments of each chemical step and develop robust, repeatable protocols for downstream automation and knowledge sharing.

You will collaborate with optical, computational, and automation teams, delivering high-quality data and methods to advance brain research and relate to real-world biomedical challenges.