Optical Scientist - Advanced Light Sheet Microscopy (Royer Group)

The Opportunity

The Royer Group, a lab led by Loic Royer at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub is a pluridisciplinary team of computer scientists, optical engineers, and biologists, fascinated by a simple but incredibly complex question: how do organisms develop from a single cell into a fully functional body with billions of self-organizing cells that form tissues and have different functions? Our bet is that solving this question will require expertise across Computer Science, Microscopy, and Biology. Our goal is to build a Time-Resolved Multi-Dimensional Atlas of Vertebrate Development using Zebrafish as a model organism. To attain this goal, we design and build novel state-of-the-art light-sheet microscopes, as well as conceive of deep-learning based image processing and analysis algorithms. The team has recently pushed the limits of light-sheet microscopy by designing a high-resolution, large field of view, and fast single objective light-sheet microscope. 

We seek an Optical Scientist with experience in designing advanced microscopes, ideally light-sheet microscopes, to push the state of the art in light-sheet microscopy and help us build the Atlas of Vertebrate Development. The successful candidate will design, build & maintain advanced light-sheet microscopes, and partner with the rest of the team of software engineers, computer vision experts, and biologist

What You'll Do

• Conceptualize advanced volumetric fluorescence microscopes for fast multicolor imaging of zebrafish larvae & embryos
• Run optical system simulations using Zeemax to characterize resolution, field-of-view, aberrations, etc…
• Specify and choose hardware components to attain desired performance
• Design complete and accurate CAD blueprint of microscopes using Onshape
• Assemble microscope from off-the-shelf parts and custom-designed components (aluminum parts and custom lenses)
• Write Python control software (in collaboration with other teams at CZ Biohub)
• Conduct proof-of-principle imaging sessions with real samples provided by Biologists
• Train Users and maintain microscopes in collaboration with an Application Engineer
• Collaborate with data scientists, bioimage analysts, and computer vision experts to process and analyze images
• Mentor more junior staff

What You'll Bring

Essential –

• Ph.D. in Optics, or a related discipline. Exceptional candidates with a master's degree will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience building advanced fluorescence microscopes, ideally light-sheet microscopes
• Demonstrated proficiency  in modeling and optimizing mechanical and optical systems (e.g. with SolidWorks and Zeemax)
• Demonstrated expertise in instrumentation: control software & electronics
• Demonstrated skills in Python scripting to control hardware and process 2D and 3D image data
• Collaborative spirit and teamwork skills

 Nice to have –

• Familiarity or proficiency in advanced multi-view or single-objective light-sheet systems
• Experience and skills in Adaptive Optics and autofocus systems
• CAD design (OnShape)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub requires all employees, contractors, and interns, regardless of work location or type of role, to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster vaccine dose, if eligible, by their start date. Those who are unable to get vaccinated or obtain a booster dose because of a disability, or who choose not to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance must have an approved exception prior to their start date.

Compensation

• $100,000 - $137,500