Optical Engineer, Advanced Light Sheet Microscopy

Optical Engineer, Advanced Light Sheet Microscopy

Biohub is a 501(c)(3) biomedical research organization building the first large-scale scientific initiative combining frontier AI with frontier biology to solve disease. Our goal is to develop advanced light‑sheet microscopes to study live specimens and decode cellular self‑organization.

Our multidisciplinary team includes computer scientists, optical engineers, and biologists collaborating at Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco.

Design, build, and use state‑of‑the‑art light‑sheet microscopes to visualize zebrafish embryonic development. Work with scientists and engineers to co‑design imaging systems, optimize instruments, and develop automated time‑lapse protocols.

• Design, prototype, implement, and optimize custom subsystems for light‑sheet microscopes and other advanced imaging platforms, integrating mechanical, thermal, fluidic, optical, and electronic components.
• Develop modular hardware control software in Python (and occasionally C/C++), interfacing with cameras, stages, lasers, sensors, and other components.
• Design and implement automated or “smart” imaging protocols incorporating feedback loops.
• Collaborate with scientists, bioengineers, computer scientists, and biologists to implement new features, including hardware interfaces, acquisition modes, GUIs, smart automation, high‑performance data visualization, and scalable data storage pipelines.
• Contribute to data acquisition workflows capable of handling large‑scale imaging datasets, optimizing performance, structuring data saving, and integrating downstream analysis pipelines.
• Document system architectures, mechanical designs, schematics, and assembly procedures to ensure reproducibility, maintainability, and scalability.

• Master’s or PhD in Optics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• At least five years of practical engineering experience designing, prototyping, and iterating hardware control systems.
• At least four years of solid working knowledge of electronics and embedded systems, including microcontrollers, DACs/ADCs, and basic PCB design.
• At least three years of experience with CAD design (Solid Works, OnShape, or similar) and rapid prototyping methods such as 3D printing, machining, laser cutting.
• Strong programming experience in Python; experience with C/C++/Rust desired, at least five years.
• Proven ability to develop hardware control scripts and integrate third‑party devices.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and software systems in experimental or research environments.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset; ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Experience in light‑sheet microscopy or similar precision optical instruments.
• Experience or interest in integrating Adaptive Optics components such as deformable mirrors.
• Experience with feedback control systems, sensors, and real‑time automation.
• Experience in thermal control, microfluidic, perfusion, or environmental control systems.
• Deep understanding of low‑level coding in C and C++.
• Familiarity with high‑performance computing concepts such as multi‑threading, GPU acceleration, and parallel processing for image processing or data‑intensive applications.
• Familiarity with Linux‑based systems and device driver configuration.
• Optical metrology experience such as PSF characterization.
• Experience working in a biological or life‑sciences research environment.

The San Francisco, CA base pay range for a new hire in this role is $153,000–$191,000. New hires typically start at the lower end of this range, with progression based on performance and experience.

This is a hybrid position requiring you to be onsite roughly three days a week (at least 60 % of the work month).

• A generous employer match on 401(k) contributions.
• Paid volunteer time off.
• Relocation support for employees needing assistance with moving.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status.