The Opportunity

The Computational Microscopy Platform (www.czbiohub.org/comp-micro/) led by Shalin Mehta builds imaging technologies to analyze the dynamics of cells across biological scales ranging from organelles to zebrafish larvae. We develop computational imaging methods to visualize physical and molecular properties of live cells and zebrafish with increased accuracy, resolution, and throughput. We develop deep learning methods to analyze dynamic cell states from the high-dimensional image data. We collaborate with groups within the CZ Biohub Network and with university collaborators to discover biological mechanisms and pursue therapeutic opportunities using these technology platforms.

We are looking for a passionate Associate R&D Engineer to accelerate our work on high-throughput smart microscopy of live cells and organs in zebrafish. This role will focus on refining and using our live imaging systems, e.g., Mantis (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.19.572435v1), and python automation software, e.g., shrimPy (https://github.com/czbiohub-sf/shrimPy) and coPylot (https://github.com/czbiohub-sf/copylot) for image-based profiling of cellular response to infection and developmental cues. The individual needs to be comfortable working in the Biosafety level 2 laboratory after appropriate safety and work training.
The application requires a cover letter that describes

• Your interest in this role, the contributions you are excited to make, and skills you want to strengthen on the job
• Your professional goals and how this role can help you achieve them
• Any hobby projects relevant to the work

We seek to recruit individuals with foundational skills, the ability to learn quickly, and the ability to pursue ambitious projects through collaborations. Prior experience related to the projects mentioned above is nice to have, but not required

You will

• Work with microscope engineers and scientists to answer questions in zebrafish biology
• Acquire data with state-of-the-art custom-built microscopes
• Troubleshoot and improve microscope control software to achieve robust data acquisition
• Use existing image reconstruction, analysis, and visualization pipelines to facilitate biological interpretation
• Maintain systematic records of experiments and outcomes
• Discuss work at weekly group meetings, internal seminars, and external seminars
• Participate in publishing the work through software repositories, data repositories, and peer-reviewed papers

You have

Essential –

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, computer science, or life sciences.  Candidates with a Master’s degree are also welcome to apply, however the role is not suitable for candidates with a doctoral degree.
• Prior research experience (internship experience is considered)
• 2 years of coding experience (e.g. Python, MATLAB, or C )
• Exposure to automated imaging, e.g., automated microscopy, astronomy, robotics
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Team player who can also work independently

Nice to have -

• Prior experience developing automation software
• Prior experience with image analysis tools and libraries (e.g. scikit-image, OpenCV, pytorch, torchvision, ImageJ)
• Prior experience with biological research

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

• $68,000 - $93,500