Research Scientist Biomedical Engineering

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston University is seeking an Electrical Engineer / Research Scientist to 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.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field; MS/PhD preferred.
• Strong PCB and mixed-signal circuit design skills.
• Experience with FPGA firmware and embedded software.
• Experience with sensors and optics is a plus.
• Ability to work independently in a lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate mixed-signal electronic circuits from schematic to fabrication.
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog) and embedded C for real-time data acquisition.
• Develop unit tests and test benches.
• Characterize sensors, cameras, and optical front-ends for low-noise performance.
• Integrate optics, electronics, and firmware into wearable systems; support related modalities.
• PCB design of multilayer boards with impedance control.
• Bench test and troubleshoot hardware; hands-on assembly and rework.
• Document designs and mentor students on hardware topics.

Skills

PCB design

FPGA firmware

Embedded C

Python/MATLAB

Analog/mixed-signal

Camera/Image sensors

Optical systems

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

Altium

KiCad

Eagle

Job description

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. Interested candidates should email David Boas ([e-mail]) with a resume and a cover letter indicating (1) qualifications related to this position and (2) a short description of one of their prior circuit designs.

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. _

Required Experience

Qualifications:

• 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. _