Optical Scientist, Royer Group (Biohub SF)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco (CZ Biohub SF) (https://www.czbiohub.org/sf/) is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub SF itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to investigate the fundamental mechanisms underlying disease and develop new technologies that will lead to actionable diagnostics and effective therapies. We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands-on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication and respect; inclusiveness; and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• The technologies developed at CZ Biohub San Francisco facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of CZ Biohub Network and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.

The Opportunity

The Royer Group, a lab led by Loic Royer at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, is a multidisciplinary 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? Solving this question will require expertise across Computer Science, Microscopy, and Biology. We aim to build a Time-Resolved Multi-Dimensional and Multi-Modal 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 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.

You will

• Conceptualize novel light-sheet microscopy to help advance our understanding of embryo development
• Simulate and design optical systems to achieve the desired performance
• Assemble and construct optical microscopes using off-the-shelf and custom-designed optical/mechanical components
• Experience designing high-speed closed-loop optical scanning, phase modulation, or adaptive optics.
• Troubleshoot and optimize the performance of existing microscopes in the lab
• Collaborate with engineers and biologists to improve and optimize microscopes for high-throughput, long-term imaging of biological samples
• Collaborate with computer scientists and application engineers to improve the data acquisition/processing workflow
• Publish high-impact papers and disseminate your work within the CZ Biohub Network and across the global scientific community

You have

Essential –

• PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, and/or related field. Exceptional candidates with a master’s degree will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience designing and building advanced optical microscopes
• Demonstrated proficiency in optical system design, modeling, and simulation (e.g., Fourier Optics, Zemax)
• Proficient in using Python for data/image analysis and instrumentation control
• Proficient in CAD design software (eg., Solidworks, Onshape)
• Proven track record of work on high-impact and interdisciplinary research projects
• Collaborative spirit and teamwork skills

Nice to have -

• Experience with state-of-the-art light sheet microscope systems
• Experience with optical techniques such as adaptive optics, computer-generated holography, super resolution imaging, or real-time closed-loop optical control
• Experience with biological imaging

Compensation

The San Francisco, CA base pay range for this role is Scientist I = $108,000.00 - $148,500 and, Scientist II = $121,000.00 - $167,200.00.New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. 

What We Provide

• Resources to disrupt and innovate at the frontiers of our knowledge of biology and disease
• A collegial and collaborative environment consisting of diverse expertise
• Access to collaborators, resources and facilities at our three partner universities (Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco) and at partner organizations in the SF Bay Area and beyond
• Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with the experience

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

Benefits

We offer a robust benefits program that enables the important work Biohubbers do everyday. Our benefits include healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning services with fertility care, childcare stipend, 401(k) match, flexible time off and a generous parental leave policy. In addition, we honor our commitment to career development and our value of scholarly excellence through regular onsite opportunities to learn from the world's leading scientists.

The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of thought, ideas and perspectives. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all Biohubbers feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. The CZ Biohub Network does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. The CZ Biohub Network will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with the CZ Biohub Network.