Engineering Specialist – Neurobiological Instrumentation Engineer

[HHMI-JFRC]

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Janelia Farm Research Campus

Engineering Specialist – Neurobiological Instrumentation Engineer

Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Farm Research Campus (JFRC) is a unique, world-class biomedical research campus in the metro D.C. area (Ashburn, VA). Currently, HHMI has an opening for a Engineering Specialist – Neurobiological Instrumentation Engineer at Janelia Farm. This position offers a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and fast-paced Design and Fabrication Department at an innovative biomedical research facility. Over five years, JFRC will grow to over 400 employees, to include top scientists, physicists, engineers and operations staff.

Reporting to the Manager, Instrument Design and Fabrication, the Neurobiological Instrumentation Engineer (NIE) will be responsible for developing and implementing a variety of complex electro-mechanical and software systems supporting advancement of research at the Janelia campus. Applications will include development of behavioral apparatus, high frame rate image capture applications, data acquisition and control systems, and sophisticated electro-mechanical systems (both hardware and software). The NIE will design, develop, assemble, integrate, test, and optimize complex systems for neurobiological research. This activity requires a comprehensive knowledge of hardware and software systems as applied to neurobiology instrumentation.

The Neurobiological Instrumentation Engineer will work collaboratively with research customers and department colleagues, and will mentor and provide technical direction to junior members of the Design and Fabrication team. The NIE will inspect and analyze scientific equipment and diagnose and correct malfunctions in order to minimize down time. The ideal candidate must have experience estimating up front costs, tracking time, effort and supplies and material costs for projects to enable proper charges to customers.

A Masters in Physics, Neuroscience, or Engineering degree is required; however, a PhD is preferred. Candidates with demonstrable relevant work experience in lieu of degrees will be considered. The ideal candidate will have experience working in an active/hands on laboratory environment. To be considered, the candidate must have a minimum of five years experience in developing relevant scientific instrumentation. Experience working in neurobiological research is required. Experience with Labview, Matlab, CAD, and mechanical design is a plus. The Neurobiological Instrumentation Engineer must be organized, have the ability to clearly document work and to interact positively with research and management personnel at all levels as well as provide equipment users with a safe work environment. The ideal candidate will be able to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects, as well as have solid quality assurance skills while working within project schedule and budget.

HHMI offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. For consideration, please forward your resume in confidence to jfrcjobs@janelia.hhmi.org. Please include job title in the subject line. To learn more about HHMI and Janelia Farm visit www.hhmi.org/janelia.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer