Research Scientist, Biomedical Engineering

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston University is seeking a Research Scientist in Biomedical Engineering to lead design and development of wearable optical instruments for brain imaging and peripheral sensing. This role covers analog/digital circuit design, PCB layout, FPGA and embedded firmware, sensor and camera systems, and integration into compact wearables.

Self-driven with strong collaboration is essential. The successful candidate will work in a lab/office environment at CILSE, with opportunities to mentor students

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, ECE, or related field; MS/PhD preferred.
• Open to all experience levels if the candidate is technically a strong fit.
• Some professional work experience is a plus.
• Proficient in PCB design, analog/mixed-signal design, FPGA firmware, embedded C, and Python/MATLAB.
• Experience with camera/image sensors, optical systems, and SiPM/APD detectors is a strong plus.
• Comfortable with compact wearable designs under tight size, weight, and power constraints.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate mixed-signal circuits for wearable instruments.
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog) and embedded C firmware for real-time data acquisition and instrument control.
• Develop unit tests and test benches.
• Characterize sensors, cameras, and optical front-ends for low-noise, low-light performance.
• Integrate optics, electronics, and firmware into compact, deployable wearable systems; support other modalities (e.g., EEG, IMU).
• Design or supervise the design of PCBs (multilayer, rigid and flexible) including low-noise techniques and impedance control.
• Bench test and troubleshoot hardware using standard lab instruments; hands-on assembly, soldering, and rework.
• Document designs and performance; mentor students/postdocs on hardware topics; contribute to publications.

Skills

PCB design

Analog/mixed-signal circuit design

FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog)

Embedded C

Python/MATLAB

Camera/image sensors

Optical systems

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

Altium

KiCad

Eagle

Job description

Research Scientist, Biomedical Engineering

Salary Grade

Grade 00

Expected Hiring Range Minimum

$82,500.00

Expected Hiring Range Maximum

$227,500.00

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

The Electrical Engineer / Research Scientist will lead the design, development, characterization, and maintenance of wearable biomedical optical instruments for brain imaging and peripheral sensing research. The role spans analog and digital circuit design, PCB layout, FPGA and embedded firmware, sensor and camera systems, and integration of optical and electronic subsystems into compact wearable packages. The successful candidate must be self-driven and capable of largely independent work.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and validate mixed-signal electronic circuits for wearable instruments, from schematic through fabrication and bring-up.
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog) and embedded C firmware for real-time data acquisition and instrument control.
• Develop unit tests and test benches.
• Characterize sensors, cameras, and optical front-ends (photodetectors, SiPM, lasers/LEDs) for low-noise, low-light performance.
• Integrate optics, electronics, and firmware into compact, deployable wearable systems; support other modalities (e.g., EEG, IMU)
• Design or supervise the design of PCBs (multilayer, rigid and flexible) including low-noise techniques and impedance control.
• Bench test and troubleshoot hardware using standard lab instruments; hands-on assembly, soldering, and rework.
• Document designs and performance; mentor students/postdocs on hardware topics; contribute to publications.

Required Skills

• BS in Electrical Engineering, ECE, or related field required; MS/PhD preferred.
• Open to all experience levels (early-career through senior), given strong technical fit.
• Some professional work experience is a plus.
• Proficient in PCB design (Altium, KiCad, or Eagle), analog/mixed-signal circuit design, FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog), embedded C, and Python/MATLAB.
• Experience with camera/image sensors, optical systems (free-space or fiber), and SiPM/APD detectors is a strong plus.
• Comfortable designing for tight size, weight, and power constraints; strong documentation and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Background in wearable/implantable biomedical devices, near-infrared optical spectroscopy (CW-NIRS, SCOS, DCS), or low-power wireless (BLE/Zigbee); publication record in instrumentation.
• Working Conditions Lab/office environment at CILSE, Boston University; hands-on hardware work is a daily core activity, with occasional collaboration with Boston-area clinical partners.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.