Opportunities

We are looking for a Research Specialist  to help launch ACME

If interested in applying or finding out more please reach out to Mustafa Mir at mirm@chop.edu

Overview: The newly established Advanced Core for Microscope Engineering (ACME) (https://www.med.upenn.edu/cdbacme/) 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 will take advantage of modular hardware and software technology being developed in the Mir Lab (mir-lab.com) which will allow for rapid prototyping and construction of instruments. This is inherently a new type of core model which combines engineering new technologies in response to desired experimental designs instead of working within the bounds of commercially available technology. The core is co-directed by Dr. Mustafa Mir (mir-lab.com), Dr. Melike Lakadamyali (lakadamyali-lab.com/) , Dr. Yihui Shen (https://www.imaging-systems-metabolism-lab.com/), and Dr. Andrea Stout (https://www.med.upenn.edu/cdbmicroscopycore/).

We are seeking a microscope specialist/engineer to support the mission of the core. The role will include developing and implementing new microscope hardware, control software, customized analysis pipelines as well as collaborating with core users. We anticipate initial applications will include light-sheet microscopy, super-resolution imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and single-molecule tracking. 

The ideal candidate has experience designing and implementing optics hardware (ideally microscopes), is fluent in Python and/or LabView, and is familiar with digital and analog signal processing.  Additionally, they are curious, hard-working, detail oriented, and well-organized with the capability to work on multiple projects at a time with collaborators. Previous experience working in the field of biomedical imaging is highly desired. There will be ample opportunities to publish in this position. 

Responsibilities:

  • Design hardware using CAD (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: At a minimum B.A./B.S. in physics, computer science, engineering or related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience; Master’s  or PhD preferred; 3-5 years previous experience in designing and implementing optics/microscopy experiments.  Highly motivated individual, must have strong organizational skills, good oral and written communication skills, and be able to work independently and be a team player. Ability to coordinate multiple projects independently. Competitive pay based on experience.