Aaaipress
Overview
The Department of Ophthalmology's Enigma project is reimagining the experimental neuroscience pipeline with big data and AI at its core. A central goal of the project is to build a foundation model of the visual brain—a "digital twin" that captures neural activity and intelligent behavior at unprecedented scale and resolution. This ambitious project spans multiple institutes including the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford Bio-X, and the Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Institute, bringing together experts in systems neuroscience, AI, and engineering. This ambitious initiative promises to offer unprecedented insights into the brain's algorithms of perception and cognition while serving as a key resource for aligning artificial intelligence models with human-like neural representations.
We are seeking a Science and Engineering Associate with strong mechanical and mechatronic design skills to develop next generation neurophysiology and intracortical brain-interfacing technology. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in prototyping lightweight, highly scalable, precisely controlled mechanical systems, e.g., precise linear actuation of Neuropixels probes, enabling the team to record neural activity and understand the brain at unprecedented scale.
This role is ideal for individuals who thrive at the rapidly evolving interface of neuroscience, engineering, and software development, and want to contribute to a uniquely interdisciplinary effort. This position is embedded within a vibrant team of neuroscientists, engineers, and software developers led by Andreas Tolias, Tirin Moore, and collaborators.
Role & Responsibilities
Develop scalable and modular systems for neural recordings and animal behavior experiments
Design, prototype, and fabricate electro-mechanical components used in experimental neuroscience, including 3D-printed and machined parts
Design or integrate new approaches to miniaturized linear actuation and control, e.g., via piezoelectric motors, and online monitoring systems, e.g. via embedded cell-phone cameras and real-time, closed-loop computer vision software
Maintain design libraries and documentation for versioning, reproducibility, and team collaboration
Collaborate closely with systems engineers and researchers to find creative solutions to evolving experimental needs
Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
Strong experience with CAD tools (e.g., Fusion, OnShape, SolidWorks) for mechanical design and prototyping
Familiarity with software programming for system integration and control
Experience with rapid prototyping using 3D printers and fabrication methods
Practical understanding of fabrication tolerances, material selection, and mechanical fabrication processes
Experience applying engineering principles to develop scalable and modular systems for experimental applications
Ability to design, prototype, and fabricate electro-mechanical components
Ability to write clear documentation, maintain design libraries for versioning and reproducibility, and perform administrative duties related to research projects
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED) Associate Degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline and three years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED)
Experience applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support
Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization
Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects
Experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job
Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and check own work
Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors
Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*
Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds
Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully
Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/pull/push objects that weigh >40 pounds
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of this job
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise, allergens/biohazards/chemicals/asbestos, confined spaces, working at heights, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather
May require travel
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4991
Employee Status: Fixed-Term
Grade: I
Requisition ID: 107187
Work Arrangement: On Site
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We are seeking a Science and Engineering Associate with strong mechanical and mechatronic design skills to develop next generation neurophysiology and intracortical brain-interfacing technology. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in prototyping lightweight, highly scalable, precisely controlled mechanical systems, e.g., precise linear actuation of Neuropixels probes, enabling the team to record neural activity and understand the brain at unprecedented scale.
This role is ideal for individuals who thrive at the rapidly evolving interface of neuroscience, engineering, and software development, and want to contribute to a uniquely interdisciplinary effort. This position is embedded within a vibrant team of neuroscientists, engineers, and software developers led by Andreas Tolias, Tirin Moore, and collaborators.
Role & Responsibilities
Develop scalable and modular systems for neural recordings and animal behavior experiments
Design, prototype, and fabricate electro-mechanical components used in experimental neuroscience, including 3D-printed and machined parts
Design or integrate new approaches to miniaturized linear actuation and control, e.g., via piezoelectric motors, and online monitoring systems, e.g. via embedded cell-phone cameras and real-time, closed-loop computer vision software
Maintain design libraries and documentation for versioning, reproducibility, and team collaboration
Collaborate closely with systems engineers and researchers to find creative solutions to evolving experimental needs
Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
Strong experience with CAD tools (e.g., Fusion, OnShape, SolidWorks) for mechanical design and prototyping
Familiarity with software programming for system integration and control
Experience with rapid prototyping using 3D printers and fabrication methods
Practical understanding of fabrication tolerances, material selection, and mechanical fabrication processes
Experience applying engineering principles to develop scalable and modular systems for experimental applications
Ability to design, prototype, and fabricate electro-mechanical components
Ability to write clear documentation, maintain design libraries for versioning and reproducibility, and perform administrative duties related to research projects
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED) Associate Degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline and three years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED)
Experience applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support
Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization
Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects
Experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job
Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and check own work
Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors
Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*
Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds
Occasionally stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp forcefully
Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/pull/push objects that weigh >40 pounds
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of this job
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise, allergens/biohazards/chemicals/asbestos, confined spaces, working at heights, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime and/or inclement weather
May require travel
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4991
Employee Status: Fixed-Term
Grade: I
Requisition ID: 107187
Work Arrangement: On Site
#J-18808-Ljbffr