Scientist in the Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Lab (Dr. Robles) at St Jude Department of Imaging

Location: Memphis, TN | Department: Imaging Sciences | Shift: Weekday Day | Position Type: Full Time | Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

About the Role

A Research Scientist position is available in Dr. Francisco Robles' Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy (OIS) Lab within the Department of Imaging Sciences. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Department of Imaging Sciences is a new academic department recruiting faculty-level scientists and engineers specializing in the development of novel imaging technologies. The goal is to drive technical innovation that will accelerate scientific discovery and improve clinical care. The OIS Lab develops label-free optical imaging and computational microscopy tools to quantify biological structure and function across applications spanning in vivo clinical imaging, slide-free histology, hematology, organoids, and cell manufacturing. The lab is particularly interested in methods that combine innovative optical systems with physics-based reconstruction and AI to enable new discoveries and create clinically actionable imaging.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent research project (with mentorship and collaboration)
• Develop next-generation handheld/probe-based implementations for in vivo clinical imaging
• Build computational reconstruction and real-time pipelines
• Create AI-enabled analysis methods
• Develop next-generation point-of-care systems
• Advance DUV microscopy for rapid cytology/hematology measurements
• Perform longitudinal, noninvasive imaging of 3D models (e.g., organoids) and translational workflows
• Oversee cell cultures and preclinical research protocols

Requirements

• PhD in biomedical engineering, electrical/computer engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, biology, or related discipline
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments and interpret data
• Strong record of contributions to peer-reviewed research publications
• Familiarity with programming languages such as MATLAB and Python, and ability to work with large imaging datasets
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication

Preferred Qualifications

• Optical system design / microscopy / instrumentation
• Computational imaging / inverse problems / optimization
• ML/AI for imaging
• Laser-based imaging / nonlinear optics
• Computer-Aided Design
• Cell culture
• Preclinical models

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area required
• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor's degree
• Six (6) years of relevant work experience required with Master's degree
• Three (3) years of relevant work experience required with PhD

Compensation

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 – $154,960 per year for the role of Scientist in the Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Lab (Dr. Robles) at St. Jude Department of Imaging Sciences. This estimate is offered in good faith in recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws; a specific salary offer takes into account factors including skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range.