Research Associate - Advanced Core for Microscope Engineering

The newly established Advanced Core for Microscope Engineering (ACME) ( 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 ( and Dr. Andrea Stout (

The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania seeks candidates for a Research Associate position for the Advanced Core for Microscope Engineering. Expertise is required in the specific area of physics, computer science, engineering or related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience;. PhD is required.

Responsibilities may include designing and implementing optics hardware (ideally microscopes), leveraging Python and/or LabView, and use of digital and analog signal processing.

The successful applicant will have an opportunity 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. Additionally, the ideal candidate for this role is 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: PhD and 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.

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.