Neurotechnology Engineer

16-Sep-2022

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

59950BR

Job Summary

The Neurotechnology core facility at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science (CBS) is looking to hire a full-time “Neurotechnology Engineer.” CBS scientists are making pioneering discoveries about how brain circuits work. The Neurotechnology core facility lowers technical barriers to scientific exploration by providing instrumentation design, fabrication, purchasing and application support to CBS faculty, postdocs, and students.

To attain this goal, we work closely with postdocs and graduate students to understand their experimental needs. Projects typically span many engineering fields and require knowledge of computer-controlled data acquisition, electronic design, robotics, machine vision, optics, and fabrication techniques. The qualified individual will work under the guidance of a supervisor but should be capable of working independently and have excellent interpersonal skills. Examples of our previous projects include custom fabrication of numerous multiphoton fluorescent microscopes; tethered and wireless optogenetic and electrophysiological apparatus; automated chambers for the assessment and manipulation of behavior; and advances in high-speed electron microscopy. The successful applicant will carry out their work in a well-equipped fabrication facility with tools for machining, rapid prototyping, electronics, and software development that is open to researchers following training that we provide.

Position Description

• Design and fabricate custom instrumentation alone or with the involvement of researchers
• Meet with students and faculty to define experimental equipment needs and develop practical solutions
• Train students to design and safely fabricate instrumentation
• Help maintain and grow a safe shop facility

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Neuroscience, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience fabricating hardware, electronic, and/or software prototypes; an advanced degree may substitute  for experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in Neuroscience preferred
• Programming Skills in C, C++, Python, Matlab, microcontroller expected
• Experience with advanced optics preferred
• Ability to design and diagnose electronic circuits preferred
• CNC machining experience with mill, lathe, water jet, laser cutter, and standard shop work preferred
• Ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions expected
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills needed

Working Conditions

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated (primary series) against COVID, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster  Information . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Additional Information

This position is a 2 year term position and has grant funding for 2 years with the strong possibility of continuation beyond that time.

Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Department

Center for Brain Science

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

35 hours per week;  Monday through Friday

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.