Light-Sheet Microscope Scientist (Expansion Imaging)

Allen Institute; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Possible visa sponsorship

Job summary

The Allen Institute in Seattle seeks a Scientist to design, build, and optimize next-generation light microscopy systems, focusing on light-sheet and expansion microscopy. You will collaborate across biology, engineering, and data science to image large datasets and extract biological insights.

Required PhD with deep optics expertise; strong software and publication record; willingness to work in a lab with lasers. Relocation and visa sponsorship may be available. Term through Sept 2029.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, optics/photonics, bioengineering, neuroscience, biophysics, or related field.
• Strong expertise in optics and light microscopy with hands-on assembly.
• Experience with expansion microscopy.
• Experience writing software for hardware control and instrument automation (Python).
• Experience in image processing and handling large imaging datasets.
• Experience with light-sheet microscopy.
• Experience with cloud or HPC infrastructure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong publication record.
• May work in laboratory environments with lasers and biohazards.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, align, and characterize custom light microscopy systems
• Optimize imaging performance for expanded specimens
• Prepare biological specimens for imaging, including tissue expansion and labeling workflows
• Operate microscopes to acquire large-scale imaging datasets
• Analyze imaging data to extract quantitative biological insights and develop workflows
• Collaborate with biologists to translate scientific needs into instrument and workflow improvements
• Document protocols, system designs, and analysis methods for reproducibility
• Present results internally and at conferences/publications

Skills

Optics & light microscopy

Expansion microscopy

Python / hardware control

Image processing / data analysis

Large imaging datasets

Light-sheet microscopy

Cloud / HPC

Written & verbal communication

Publication record

Lab safety with lasers

Education

PhD in physics, optics/photonics, bioengineering, neuroscience, biophysics, or related field

Job description

The Allen Institute in Seattle seeks a Scientist to design, build, and optimize next-generation light microscopy systems, focusing on light-sheet and expansion microscopy. You will collaborate across biology, engineering, and data science to image large datasets and extract biological insights.

Required PhD with deep optics expertise; strong software and publication record; willingness to work in a lab with lasers. Relocation and visa sponsorship may be available. Term through Sept 2029.