Optical Engineer | Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics - Rockefeller University

Organization Overview:The emergence of new optical technologies combined with molecular sensors and advanced computational tools has led to significant advances in understanding how the circuitry and dynamics of neuronal populations give rise to brain functions and behavior. The Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics (LNB) has a significant focus on developing and applying advanced optical imaging technologies with applications for systems neuroscience. Over the last few years, the lab has developed a portfolio of optical techniques that allow near-simultaneous stimulation and functional imaging of neuronal activity on the whole-brain level at the single-cell level in small model organisms and, more recently, in the more scattering rodent brain.Overview:

Are you interested in bringing your expertise in advanced optics to design and build new microscopy systems and neurotechnologies that will help the understanding of the brain? This is an exciting long-term opportunity for a creative, highly-motivated, and ambitious candidate interested in working at the interface of optical systems engineering and neuroscience. The successful candidate will critically contribute to the mission of the department for Neurotechnology and Biophysics and the broader imaging efforts at the university by designing, building, and applying new types of multi-photon and other microscopy systems for recording neuroactivity at unprecedented scale, speed, and resolution within a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative academic environment that includes joint projects with industrial partners. The ideal candidate must be both conceptually and technically strong, self-driven, highly-organized, and be able to own and spearhead multiple projects. We are interested in both in entry level candidates and candidates with relevant experience in academia or industry.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include:

• Conceptualization, design, development, characterization, and application of new types of high-speed large scale multiphotonoptical systems for recording and manipulation of neuronal population activity in scattering tissue
• Redesign and optimization of existing platforms and co-development of precommercial prototypes in close coordination with industrial partners
• Documentation, development of SOPs, and training of more junior scientists
• Support of collaborative project and ongoing technology dissemination efforts

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master’s degree in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or related field
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant hands-on work experience in a scientific or industrial research environment involving microscopy, ultrafast optics, non-linear optics, or opto-electronic hardware
• Track-record as the lead experimental scientist or engineer for construction of complex (electro) optical and optomechanical systems or instruments
• Basic programming skills (e.g., Matlab, Python, LabView, SolidWorks, CAD)
• Self-driven, and highly result-oriented,
• Excellent communication and time management skills
• The ability to effectively work in a team environment involving academics and industry, and motivated by enabling engineering innovations with lasting practical impact

Preferred:

• Ph.D. in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or related field
• Experience in at least one, ideally multiple of these areas would be highly desired:
  • optical modeling and simulations (e.g., ZEMAX)
  • ultra-fast laser systems
  • fiber optics
  • mechanical design
  • mechanical fabrication skills
  • RF electronics and electronics design
  • optomechanical hardware control (LabView, FPGA, experience with large-scale data processing and cluster computing)

 

The Rockefeller University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the characteristics listed above.

 

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

Compensation Range: Min:USD $66,000.00/Yr.Compensation Range: Max:USD $79,000.00/Yr.