Sr. Optical Engineer, Advanced Light-Sheet Microscopy

The Team

Through our multi-dimensional imaging program, we build imaging tools that capture life across scales — from single proteins to whole organisms — revealing how proteins and cells function, communicate, and assemble into living systems. These observations are laying the groundwork for a new generation of AI models that can predict cellular behavior and guide the development of better treatments for widespread diseases. You can learn more about our work here.

Our work brings together three powerhouse universities - Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine.

Our Vision

• Pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• Enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• Facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

We are a team of passionate individuals powered by technology, guided by scientific research, and driven by collaboration, working toward a mission to cure or prevent all disease. 

The Opportunity

Within Biohub, Bioengineering is a team of engineers with a diverse set of skills, including electronics, optics, imaging, automation, mechatronics, fluidics, software development, etc. We design and build custom instrumentation and automation systems to support the Biohub’s scientific mission.

We are seeking an experienced optical engineer to help push the boundaries of advanced light sheet microscopy for imaging cells. The successful candidate will design, build and maintain advanced light-sheet microscopes, and partner with hardware & software engineers, data scientists, and biologists to improve our imaging systems and pipelines.

What You'll Do

• Execute or potentially lead experimental optical projects from concept to prototype
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and external partners to develop innovative optical solutions for imaging challenges 
• Design and build custom optical systems, components, and experimental setups tailored for specific research applications 
• Alone, or in collaboration with other engineers and scientists, design, assemble and build novel, advanced light-sheet optical microscopes, or sub-modules for such microscopes, from off-the-shelf or custom-designed optical/mechanical/electrical components 
• Conduct proof-of-principle imaging experiments to evaluate microscope performance and design ideas 
• In collaboration with application engineers, software engineers and scientists, automate microscope control and data acquisition pipelines 
• In collaboration with automation engineers, software engineers and scientists, integrate custom microscopes and optical systems into automated experimentation systems
• Maintain, troubleshoot, upgrade and optimize the performance of existing custom-built microscopes and other optical systems in the lab 
• Maintain accurate documentation of microscope hardware designs and standard operating procedures 
• Train users to operate custom microscopes, and collaborate with biologists in conducting imaging experiments with them 
• Explore novel imaging techniques and technologies 
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in optics and imaging technologies, identifying opportunities for novel applications within our research objectives 
• Work with external partners and suppliers on the design, fabrication, and testing of custom optical parts, modules and systems

What You'll Bring

Essential

• Ph.D. degree, or B.Sc. degree plus equivalent experience, in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, or related field 
• Minimum of 6 years of post-B.Sc. hands-on engineering experience 
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in designing, building and aligning optical imaging and/or microscopy systems 
• Deep understanding of geometric optics, physical optics, Fourier optics and imaging theory 
• Deep understanding of the principles and technologies related to imaging devices & cameras, microscopy, and spectroscopy 
• Hands-on experience in fluorescence microscopy (ideally light-sheet microscopy) 
• Proficient in common optical/electrical test and measurement tools 
• Proficient in using Python for data/image analysis and instrumentation control 
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and work independently on unconventional and high-risk technical projects. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly adapt to new technological challenges 
• Eager to learn new methods, protocols and technologies 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Highly collaborative spirit and strong teamwork skills

Nice to Have

• Experience with optical design and simulation software (eg. Zemax, Code V) 
• Experience with CAD design software (eg., Onshape, Solidworks) 
• Experience with live cell imaging 
• Experience designing electronic circuits 
• Co-authorship in preprints or peer-reviewed publications  

Compensation

The San Francisco, CA base pay range for a new hire in this role is $190,000.00 - $261,800.00. 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. 

Benefits for the Whole You 

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible. 

• Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice. 
• Funding for select family-forming benefits. 
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

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.

#LI-Onsite