Physical Scientist - Precision Instrument Development
Caltech
Job Category: Fulltime Term
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
Caltech scientists are now embarking upon a major project to develop nanotechnology that will enable deep profiling of the single-cell proteome and metabolome. This work is being pursued in close collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific. To advance this effort, a cohort of scientists/engineers will be hired to work at Caltech (Pasadena, CA, USA) in complementary areas spanning: proteomics and single-cell analysis, nanosystems development, high frequency/microwave engineering, optics and integrated photonics, software-defined instrumentation, and bioinformatics enabled by AI/machine learning. This job posting is part of the effort to launch this project.
This job posting solicits for applicants for two physical scientist positions. Successful applicants will possess deep skills in the conception, planning, modeling, assembly, and characterization of precision measurement instrumentation. They will become a key member of the team creating transformational measurement instrumentation. Among the team's principal responsibilities will be: hardware design, ion optics systems, vacuum systems, optical systems for molecular excitation and analysis, cryogenic systems, mass spectrometry instrumentation, ultrasensitive nanodevice readout, LC/ESI (liquid chromatography / electro-spray ionization) systems for ion generation, and software for instrument control and data analysis. These scientists will possess broad knowledge in applied physics, deep mathematical and numerical skills; hands-on, expert-level knowledge and experience in many of the aforementioned areas; and general knowledge in most others.
Job Duties
The job tasks will comprise of all aspects of the construction of ultrasensitive measurement instrumentation within a highly collaborative team effort populated by other world-class experts. The scientist is expected to contribute to most, but not necessarily all, of the task areas listed above.
Design of instrumentation hardware by CAD (via SolidWorks, COMSOL, and electromagnetic modeling such as HFSS).
Analysis of the instrument operation by data acquisition, analytic calculations, and simulations (via Python, LabView, and Matlab).
Instrument prototyping. System construction will involve cryogenic, ultra-high vacuum, ultra-low-noise electronics, and optical/photonic instrumentation. This work will require deep knowledge in general hardware construction, vibration isolation, temperature control, optical and electronic engineering, etc.
Development of instrument control software including synchronizing and interfacing between different system modules.
Development of signal / data transfer systems for high speed, high throughput measurement and operation. This will require knowledge of EtherNet/IP and FPGA programming.
Other job requirements:
The scientist can independently, effectively, and expeditiously complete R&D (research and development) tasks.
The scientist can work in a team of different expertise and harmoniously contribute to a large, complex project.
The scientist can quickly provide clear documentation for design, analysis and, detailed notes on the ongoing work.
The scientist can generate detailed written or oral instructions for engineering operations.
The scientist can assist in training and qualifying technical and junior personnel.
Additionally, successful candidates:
Must be able to lift at least 20 pounds, but heavy or continual lifting not expected.
May be required to travel infrequently for this project.
Basic Qualifications
PhD in physics, astronomy, applied physics, electrical, mechanical and other engineering disciplines.
Eight or more years of technical experience in instrument development, with expertise demonstrated by successful completion of complex instrumentation projects.
Preferred Qualifications
Expertise in SolidWorks, Python, Matlab, LabView, and Microsoft Excel.
Experience in cryogenic engineering and experimentation.
Experience in construction and use of optical systems.
Expertise in CAD, especially COMSOL and HFSS.
Experience in of EtherNet/IP and FPGA programming.
Required Documents
CV
To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.caltech.edu/work/job_openings
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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