Assistant​/Associate​/Project Scientist - Instrumentation Microscopy Advanced Bioimaging Center

Job Title

Assistant/Associate/Full Project Scientist – Instrumentation

Project Scientist for the Advanced Bio Imaging Center (ABC) in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. The role is full‑time (100%) and will start in Winter/Spring 2026. Salary ranges approximately $146,700–$204,600 per year, commensurate with rank and step. Initial appointment is for one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability. Benefits:
Eligible for full benefits.

• Design, build, and test a new high‑throughput adaptive optical inverted lattice light‑sheet microscope (iAO‑LLSM) to increase data acquisition throughput tenfold while maintaining high‑quality optical performance.
• Use, maintain, and oversee the operations of the two next‑generation multimodal optical scopes with adaptive imaging correction (MOSAIC) microscopes at ABC.
• Participate in handling and mounting biological samples on advanced microscopes and collect 4/5‑D datasets.
• Collaborate with a cross‑disciplinary team of AI scientists, data engineers, instrumentation scientists, and biologists to generate high‑resolution microscopy data using novel transparent developmental organism reagents toward a 4‑D foundation model.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in leading peer‑reviewed journals.
• Actively participate in and occasionally lead efforts to develop new projects.

• PhD (or equivalent international degree).

• Minimum of four years of postdoctoral research experience.
• For consideration for the Associate Project Scientist rank: a minimum of eight years of post‑PhD research experience.
• For consideration for the full Project Scientist rank: a minimum of fourteen years of post‑PhD research experience.

• PhD or equivalent international degree in Physics, Chemical or Biological Engineering, Molecular and Cell Biology, Systems Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience or expertise in light microscopy, spectroscopy, or laser optics.
• Experience in adaptive optics and lattice light‑sheet microscopy.
• Experience designing and building custom microscopes.
• Ability to troubleshoot microscopy instruments, prepare samples, and design research methodology.
• Proficiency with CAD programs such as Autodesk Inventor or Solidworks.
• Ability to explain concepts to diverse audiences and oversee a laboratory space.
• Strong record of imaging, characterization, and analysis of live cells and biological tissues.
• Experience with data and image processing, evaluating image quality, visualizing, and analyzing image data.
• Experience creating figures and movies with microscopy data for publication.
• Experience collaborating with labs across diverse areas.
• Experience executing large imaging projects (tens of terabytes to multi petabyte‑scale).
• Experience leading technicians.
• Ability to review research proposals and ideas, evaluate research capabilities, and make recommendations.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with a diverse group of researchers.
• Innovative approach with sound judgment to evaluate and take acceptable risks.

• Curriculum Vitae (most recent).
• Cover Letter.
• Statement of Research (summary of major research accomplishments and a brief statement highlighting experience relevant to key responsibilities, ~250 words).
• References: three required (contact information only).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Berkeley follows the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in its public mission. The hospital is committed to a safe, caring, and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

Berkeley, CA