Scientist in the Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Lab (Dr. Robles) at St Jude Department of Imaging Sciences
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
A Research Scientist position is available in Dr. Francisco Robles’ Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy (OIS) Lab within the Department of Imaging Sciences for an outstanding and highly motivated candidate! St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Department of Imaging Sciences is a new academic department that is recruiting faculty-level scientists and engineers specializing in the development of novel imaging technologies. Our goal is to drive technical innovation that will accelerate scientific discovery and improve clinical care.
Job description
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. We are particularly interested in methods that combine innovative optical systems with physics-based reconstruction and AI to enable new discoveries and create clinically actionable imaging.
The Research Scientist will lead an independent research project (with mentorship and collaboration) that may include:
- Next-generation handheld/probe-based implementations for in vivo clinical imaging
- Computational reconstruction and real-time pipelines
- AI-enabled analysis
- Development of next generation point of care systems
- DUV microscopy for rapid cytology/hematology measurements
- Longitudinal, noninvasive imaging of 3D models (e.g., organoids) and translational workflows
- Oversee cell cultures and preclinical research protocols
Successful candidates will have:
- A PhD in biomedical engineering, electrical/computer engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, biology or related discipline
- The ability to independently design and execute experiments and interpret data
- A strong record of contributions to peer-reviewed research publications.
- Familiarity with programming languages such as MATLAB and Python, and the ability to work with large imaging datasets
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication
Preferred Expertise (one or more):
- 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
Minimum Education and/or Training:
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
Minimum Experience:
- Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required
- Six (6) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree
- Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD
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
- Ability to work with large imaging datasets
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area
- Eight (8) years of relevant work experience
- Six (6) years of relevant work experience with a Master's degree
- Three (3) years of relevant work experience with a PhD
Company overview
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric research and treatment institution headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to advancing cures for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, it stands as the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted exclusively to children. The hospital operates on a unique funding model where families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food, with costs exceeding $2 billion annually primarily supported by donations through its fundraising organization ALSAC. St. Jude treats approximately 8,600 patients each year from all 50 states and around the world, with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, sickle cell disease, and infectious diseases. The institution employs over 7,000 staff members and maintains eight affiliate clinics across the United States. Through its St. Jude Global initiative, the hospital shares research and treatment protocols internationally, partnering with more than 350 institutions in over 90 countries. St. Jude has been instrumental in increasing childhood cancer survival rates from 20% in 1962 to over 80% today, while maintaining a robust research program that includes gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and precision medicine approaches.