Stanford Blood Center
Engineer Associate (2 Year Fixed-Term)
Stanford Blood Center, Stanford, California, United States, 94305
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 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 initiative spans multiple institutes, bringing together experts in systems neuroscience, AI, and engineering. The project aims to offer unprecedented insights into the brain's algorithms of perception and cognition while serving as a 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 role involves prototyping lightweight, scalable, precisely controlled mechanical systems, including precise linear actuation of Neuropixels probes, enabling recording of neural activity at unprecedented scale.
This role suits individuals who thrive at the interface of neuroscience, engineering, and software development and want to contribute to a uniquely interdisciplinary effort. The position is embedded within a team of neuroscientists, engineers, and software developers led by Tolias and Moore, with 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
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 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, confined spaces, working at heights, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime
May require travel
The expected pay range for this position is $95,970 to $116,993 annually. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as scope and responsibilities, qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay is one aspect of the rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s benefits and rewards. Specifics about the rewards package may be discussed during the hiring process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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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 role involves prototyping lightweight, scalable, precisely controlled mechanical systems, including precise linear actuation of Neuropixels probes, enabling recording of neural activity at unprecedented scale.
This role suits individuals who thrive at the interface of neuroscience, engineering, and software development and want to contribute to a uniquely interdisciplinary effort. The position is embedded within a team of neuroscientists, engineers, and software developers led by Tolias and Moore, with 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
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 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, confined spaces, working at heights, temperature extremes, heavy metals, unusual work hours or routine overtime
May require travel
The expected pay range for this position is $95,970 to $116,993 annually. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as scope and responsibilities, qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay is one aspect of the rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s benefits and rewards. Specifics about the rewards package may be discussed during the hiring process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr