Research Technician

NU USA Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Boston seeks a Research Technician to join a fast-paced program developing automated, real-time microscope control systems for image-guided single-cell isolation and photoactivation.

The role focuses on building hardware and software systems that enable real-time, ROI-specific laser ablation and photoactivation, integrated directly into automated microscopy and spatial single-cell analysis workflows (Image-seq).

Qualifications

• BS in Physics, Computer/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Hands-on FPGA programming and hardware design experience.
• Experience with real-time signal processing and firmware development.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and optimize FPGA-based hardware for real-time microscope control and ROI-specific laser ablation.
• Develop real-time signal processing pipelines to interface microscope hardware with control electronics.
• Contribute to design and integration of optical instrumentation for real-time, image-guided targeting.
• Integrate hardware control systems with microscope acquisition software for fully automated workflows.
• Develop and maintain device firmware and communication protocols (USB, AXI Stream).
• Support automated Image-seq and spatial single-cell workflows, including calibration and validation on biological samples.

Skills

FPGA programming

Real-time signal processing

Hardware–software interfacing

Firmware development

Independent work

Education

BS in Physics/Engineering

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

AXI Stream interfaces

USB protocols

Job description

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and accountable Research Technician to join a fast‑paced program developing automated, real-time microscope control systems for image‑guided single‑cell isolation and photoactivation. The role focuses on building hardware and software systems that enable real‑time, region‑of‑interest (ROI)-specific laser ablation and photoactivation, integrated directly into automated microscopy and spatial single‑cell analysis workflows (Image‑seq). This is a hands‑on position requiring strong execution, ownership, and attention to detail in both real‑time hardware control and optical instrumentation design.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Hands‑on experience with FPGA programming and hardware design (e.g., Xilinx/AMD Vivado or equivalent)
• Experience with real‑time signal processing, hardware‑software interfacing, and firmware development
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, accountability, and reliability
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks efficiently

Preferred

• Experience interfacing real‑time hardware control systems with microscopy or optical imaging platforms
• Background in optical instrumentation design or optical system integration
• Background in real‑time data acquisition and processing (e.g., AXI Stream interfaces, USB protocols)
• Interest or prior exposure to biological or biomedical applications of engineering systems
• Experience with device firmware development for Windows‑compatible systems

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Design, program, and optimize FPGA‑based hardware platforms for real‑time microscope control, including ROI‑specific laser ablation and photoactivation
• Develop real‑time signal processing pipelines to interface microscope hardware (scanning systems, detectors) with control electronics
• Contribute to the design and integration of optical instrumentation supporting real‑time, image‑guided targeting
• Integrate real‑time hardware control systems with microscope acquisition software to enable fully automated workflows
• Develop and maintain device firmware and communication protocols (e.g., USB, AXI Stream) for hardware‑software integration
• Support development of automated Image‑seq and spatial single‑cell analysis workflows, including real‑time calibration, testing, and validation on biological samples
• Collaborate with lab members on applying real‑time‑controlled ablation/photoactivation systems to live‑cell and tissue‑based experiments
• Maintain rigorous documentation, troubleshoot hardware/software and optical issues, and clearly communicate results and technical progress

Compensation

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 105H Expected Hiring Range: $20.77 - $28.56 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly‑situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Benefits

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Equal Opportunity Statement

will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

About Northeastern University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real‑world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—which includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.