The Rockefeller University seeks a Mechatronics Engineer, Neurophysiology and Behavior to join Neurophysiology and Behavior. The Mechatronics Engineer will work closely with neuroscientists and biologists to develop and support custom software/hardware systems for behavioral and neurophysiological experiments in fruit flies. The Mechatronics Engineer's responsibilities will entail software development, primarily in Matlab, Python, and C++, working with soft and hard real-time systems and open-source software and hardware. Will be responsible for maintaining and extending upon a virtual-reality system that combines real-time video-image analysis of fly behavior and physiological data-acquisition of neuronal activity, developing a flexible, real-time software platform to facilitate the behavioral and neurophysiological experiments likely using Robot Operating System (ROS), developing efficient machine vision algorithms to facilitate the behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, performing complete project cycles, from design to fabrication with support from a small engineering core in the university's fabrication and machining facility, and using existing image-registration routines to align neural imaging data from experiments across multiple insects. Depending on expertise and interest, other projects may involve designing and manufacturing tiny plastic platforms for restraining flies (micro-machined with CNC mills), optical systems for biological imaging applications, and simple electronic devices for measuring fly behavior (utilizing Atmel microcontrollers and custom-designed printed circuit boards).
Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or physics required. Must have experience writing code in multiple languages including Python, C++, and Matlab, and be comfortable designing and building small mechanical and electronic devices. Must have an interest in neuroscience and working closely with biologists on engineering approaches, willingness and ability to rapidly assimilate new fields of knowledge, from machine vision algorithms to electronic circuit design, for the purpose of building functional electro-mechanical devices or completing medium-sized coding projects, ability to clearly communicate engineering principles, design, and coding with biologists and have the capacity to work collaboratively with members of the lab to optimize systems and coding as experimental needs require. A comfort with, and basic understanding of, mechanical and electronic-circuit design, alongside fabrication methods (milling, lathing, etc.) is expected. Must be able to work both independently and closely with biologists to accomplish a complete project cycle, from design through fabrication. Must be excited by the opportunity to rapidly assimilate new information for the purpose of solving varied computational and design challenges. Must have the ability to multitask and assist in the design and optimization of different systems simultaneously to support multiple ongoing and evolving projects. Must be detail-oriented, accurate, and creative in the process of design development. Must be capable of working both independently and within a small team.
We offer an excellent benefits package, tuition reimbursement and a competitive salary. The Rockefeller University is located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, on a 15-acre campus, along the East River (www.rockefeller.edu/views.php).
The Rockefeller University is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans.
Click here to apply directly using The Rockefeller University website.
Internal Number: IRC25841
About The Rockefeller University
The Rockefeller University is a world-renowned center for research and graduate education in the biomedical sciences, chemistry, bioinformatics and physics. The university's 72 laboratories conduct both clinical and basic research and study a diverse range of biological and biomedical problems with the mission of improving the understanding of life for the benefit of humanity.
