Position Description

Our group in the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School seeks an innovative and enthusiastic team member to join a multidisciplinary research laboratory. We are interested in understanding how computations arise from the organization and connectivity of neuronal networks. To analyze neural circuit structure and function at the highest resolution and completeness possible, we combine structural and functional imaging techniques including high-throughput electron and X-ray microscopy, and in vivo two-photon calcium imaging. We seek an engineer with hardware and software skills. They should be capable of developing and working with custom instrumentation for high-throughput microscopy and analyzing large data.

Main projects include:

• Development and support of automated imaging platforms for electron microscopy;
• Development and support of automated imaging platforms for X-ray microscopy (eg. microCT);
• Development and validation of high-throughput multi-photon microscopes for volumetric in vivo imaging;
• Development and support of a large data handling infrastructure, data processing, and analyses.
• Success will require a close working collaboration with biologists and the ability to independently develop solutions to address biological questions.
• Building and optimizing novel hardware and software pipelines will play a vital role in helping us achieve our biological aims.

Typical duties of the Functional Connectomics Engineer include:

1. developing and maintaining hardware for electron, X-ray, and light microscopy;
2. developing software to generate, process, and analyze large-scale image datasets;
3. computational systems oversight and miscellaneous programming;
4. communicating with vendors and coordinating jobs with internal and external service providers and collaborators;
5. documenting projects and communicating project progress.

We offer the opportunity to:

• Apply your skills toward understanding the brain in a vibrant academic environment;
• Do cutting edge science with a supportive and collaborative team;
• Invent techniques and technology with potential for patents and commercialization;
• Author academic papers.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, computer science, life or physical sciences or a related discipline preferred an advanced degree in science or engineering
• Highly proficient in Python - programming experience in other languages (e.g., C, Java, MATLAB)
• Experience with electron microscopy and electron-optics
• Experience with nano-positioning systems
• Experience with non-linear (multi-photon) optics and laser scanning microscopy
• Work experience in biomedical research and/or an academic science environment
• Demonstrated experience teaching or training in an informal setting.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, skilled at prioritization, creative, and enjoy working in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. S/he will be skilled at translating research problems into well-defined technical specifications and then designing, building, and help support user-friendly software solutions and instrumentation; s/he will have excellent interpersonal skills; enthusiasm for collaborating closely with biologists; software, engineering, and data science skills; and the ability to write clearly for a broad audience.
Demonstrated experience in software and instrumentation development. Proficiency in a at least one programming language including, but not limited to, Python or MATLAB.

Additional Information

This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities! (https://www.gem.com ?formID=16341e35-cbc6-4904-88a3-09b35763307e)
 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-values-diversity-statement

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.