The Rockefeller University

Organization Overview

The Maimon lab aims to link the electrical activity of neurons and the biochemical action of molecules to their computational roles in animal behavior. The lab has a particular interest in understanding how central brain structures,distant from the sensory and motor periphery,govern behavioral choice.

Overview

We seek a creative scientific engineer for a full-time position in the Laboratory of Integrative Brain Function.

You will be responsible for designing. building and supporting custom experimental devices that integrate hardware, electronics, and firmware to support the research goals of a neuroscience lab. A love of independently completing projects in an academic setting, for the purposes of advancing basic research, is a must. Comfort working independently and interest in assimilating new information for the sake of accomplishing complete project cycles is essential.

Responsibilities

Specific initial responsibilities include:

• Maintaining dozens of hardware-software integrated rigs that allow for behavioral and imaging experiments in fruit flies. These rigs use Robot Operating System on a Ubuntu platform, with multiple electromechanical and optical components integrated.
• Design and build new electromechanical devices that include Arduino compatible microcontrollers, custom PCBs, and custom mechanical components to aid in experiments.
• CAD design for various manufacturing technologies
• 3D printing or laser cutting of complex components
• Machining with manual mill and lathe of basic components
• Assembly of previously designed, integrated electromechanical devices that include printed circuit boards
• Interacting with non-technically oriented scientists to create new experimental devices to best answer specific research questions.
• Depending on expertise and interest, other projects may involve design and manufacture of optical systems for biological imaging applications.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a technical field, like engineering, math or physics,
• Three (3) years of experience in 3D CAD, and rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing and Laser Cutting
• Two (2) years of experience developing experimental instrumentation and/or behavioral systems in a research setting
• Must be comfortable with digital and analog electronics design, including Arduino compatible microcontrollers and PCB design
• Fluency in Python, C, and Matlab
• Desire to work independently and creatively, in an academic setting, to complete projects for non-technically oriented scientists in a timely manner

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A PhD in engineering, math, physics, or even biology or neuroscience (if a focus on technical aspects was primary during the work)
• Portfolio of completed hardware / electronic projects
• Familiarity with Motion control devices or robotics
• Experience with manual machining using mill and lathe

The Rockefeller University is an equal opportunity employer – veterans/individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, including but not limited to disability and protected veteran status.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Compensation Range: Min

USD $90,000.00/Yr.

Compensation Range: Max

USD $105,000.00/Yr.