R&D Engineer, Cryo AFM Development

The Team

To develop a dynamic, integrated view of biological systems in health and disease, the Chan Zuckerberg Institute for Advanced Biological Imaging (CZ Imaging Institute) aims to push forward the development and application of new imaging technologies over the next 10 to 15 years. CZ Imaging Institute researchers will collaboratively develop breakthrough biological imaging systems centered around grand challenges that push the boundaries of what we can see and measure to obtain deep insights into the architecture of complex biological systems at the molecular level.

As an extension of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s Imaging program, the CZ Imaging Institute (https://czii.org/) will create breakthrough technologies — hardware, software, biological probes, data, and platforms — that will be made available to the scientific community and adopted worldwide through a combination of direct access to the Institute, open sharing of advances, and commercial partnerships.

The Opportunity

The position is focused on developing novel hardware technologies to extend the capabilities of cryogenic FIB-SEM to enable a deeper understanding of cell architecture and function at molecular resolutions. Specifically, this role will focus on developing AFM of FIB-milled faces using an in-chamber AFM, to ultimately image 3D cellular structure of unstained, vitrified cells at the highest possible resolutions. The challenge is that contrast of non-lipid structures is very low in the SEM, and topography and mechanical properties of the surface, to which the AFM is sensitive, are unknown.

This on-site position will be based in Redwood City, CA.

What You'll Do

• Develop improved methods and workflows for imaging and analyzing unstained biological samples with AFM within the FIB-SEM
• Explore a variety of AFM imaging modes and contrast mechanisms to optimize imaging of FIB-milled vitrified biological samples
• Collaborate closely with platform and technical research teams at CZII
• Collaborate broadly with the scientific community
• Write papers and present findings at scientific conferences
• Mentor and train junior researchers in the lab
• Keep up-to-date with the latest research in the field and identify new areas of investigation.
• You will understand the challenges and opportunities for the Institute, and prioritize where to focus our efforts in biological research as well as how to best apply novel technology developments to provide the highest impact and results to the scientific community

What You'll Bring

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry,  or related field
• A strong track record of research accomplishments in AFM imaging
• Experience developing novel imaging methods
• Excellent analytical skills 
• Ability to design and fabricate instrumentation
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Outstanding attention to detail, accuracy, and procedures
• Must have the ability to multitask and work with technology developers in a highly collaborative environment

Nice to have: 

• Experience with cryogenic imaging
• Python or other coding expertise
• FIB-SEM on biological samples
• Near-field optical imaging experience

Compensation

The Redwood City, CA  base pay range for this role is Senior = $190,000 - $261,800 and Staff = $214,000 - $284,800.  New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. 

Benefits for the Whole You 

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible. 

• Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Annual benefit for employees that can be used most meaningfully for them and their families, such as housing, student loan repayment, childcare, commuter costs, or other life needs.
• Life of Service Gifts are awarded to employees to “live the mission” and support the causes closest to them.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice. 
• Funding for select family-forming benefits. 
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving to the Bay Area

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

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