Research Associate in Microscope Engineering

Polytechnicpositions; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania Perelman seeks a Research Associate to join the Advanced Core for Microscope Engineering (ACME). You will design hardware with Autodesk Inventor and Zemax, write Python software, and collaborate with core users to translate experimental needs into robust microscopy instruments.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD and 3–5 years of optics/microscopy experience, with strong communication and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3-5 years of experience designing and implementing optics/microscopy experiments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Expertise in physics, computer science, or engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design hardware using CAD software (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.

Skills

Optics

Microscopy

Python

CAD

Education

PhD

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Zemax

Job description

Research Associate in Microscope Engineering

University of Pennsylvania Perelman

United States

Overview

The newly established Advanced Core for Microscope Engineering (ACME) at the University of Pennsylvania 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 leverages modular hardware and software technology developed in the Mir Lab, allowing for rapid prototyping and construction of instruments. This is a new type of core model that combines engineering new technologies in response to desired experimental designs rather than working within the bounds of commercially available technology.

The core is co-directed by Dr. Mustafa Mir, Dr. Melike Lakadamyali, Dr. Yihui Shen, and Dr. Andrea Stout.

Position Summary

The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine seeks candidates for a Research Associate position in the Advanced Core for Microscope Engineering.

Expertise required: Physics, computer science, engineering, or a related field.

Experience required: At least 5 years of relevant experience.

Education required: PhD.

The successful applicant will support the mission of the core by developing and implementing new microscope hardware, control software, customized analysis pipelines, and collaborating with core users. Initial applications may include light-sheet microscopy, super-resolution imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and single-molecule tracking.

The ideal candidate is curious, hard-working, detail-oriented, well-organized, and capable of working on multiple projects simultaneously with collaborators. Previous experience in biomedical imaging is highly desired. This position offers ample opportunities for publication.

Responsibilities

Design hardware using CAD software (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

PhD with 3-5 years of experience designing and implementing optics/microscopy experiments.

Highly motivated with strong organizational skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to work independently and as a team player.

Ability to coordinate multiple projects independently.

Competitive pay based on experience.