Positions Available

If you are interested in working at the Center for Visual Science, please see the list of open positions below. You must contact the person(s) you are interested in working with directly.

Staff

Optical Engineer Position, Advanced Technology for Ocular Imaging and Vision Science

Added 01/07/2022

The Center for Visual Science at the University of Rochester has an open position for an optical engineer to join a highly collaborative team of vision scientists who use advanced optical technologies to study vision in the normal and diseased eye. Technologies currently under development include the next generation of vision correction techniques, ultra-high resolution eye trackers, instruments capable of observing both structure and function at a cellular spatial scale in the living eye, new technologies to improve restored vision in the blind, and the development of an optical interface between computers and single neurons inside the living eye.

The applicant will work closely with faculty in the Center for Visual Science including researchers from the Flaum Eye Institute, the Institute of Optics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Neuroscience at the University of Rochester. They will interact with the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA), a multidisciplinary imaging team passionate about understanding the physiology underlying healthy and diseased eyes. Key investigators include Jennifer Hunter, Susana Marcos, Juliette McGregor, William Merigan, Martina Poletti, Michele Rucci, Jesse Schallek, and David Williams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the design, construction, and optimization of new optical technologies for vision science.
  • Maintain, align, and calibrate existing instruments for vision science such as adaptive optics ophthalmoscopes for microscopic imaging of the living eye and vision testing devices that incorporate adaptive optics.
  • Assist in research projects by operating these instruments.
  • Train undergraduates, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows on instrumentation including the appropriate application of light safety standards.

Desired Qualifications

  • BS through PhD level training will be considered.
  • Hands-on experience with the design, construction, alignment and troubleshooting of optical instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of sequential ray tracing using optical design software (Zemax or Code V).
  • Experience with scanning and array detection imaging technology is desirable.
  • Experience in performing independent engineering/scientific research
  • Experience with project management
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Experience in the field of ophthalmoscopy and vision science is not required.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $80,000 per year; commensurate with experience.

The University of Rochester is an exciting place to pursue a career in biomedical optics, with The Institute of Optics, the Center for Visual Science, and the Flaum Eye Institute here at the University. The Rochester community is replete with companies with expertise in optics and imaging. For additional information see Center for Visual Science and the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and names of three references to:
Debbie Shannon, Administrator
Center for Visual Science
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 14627-0270

The University of Rochester is an equal opportunity employer.

Lab Technician III, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester

Updated 01/03/2022

The ARIA group in the Center for Visual Science at the University of Rochester is looking for a Lab Tech III to work in the Merigan laboratory, dividing their time between psychophysical training and testing of non-human primates and data analysis, etc.

Psychophysics tasks include: Technician will work on a scientific project involving quantitative analysis of behavioral data. It will be necessary to train with the Tech Associate currently involved in this project. Will need to use personal protective gear and the physical ability to move a non-human primate (less than 25 lbs) into a Plexiglas testing chair and transport them to the laboratory where the experiments take place, using a calm and relaxed demeanor. Perform behavioral training of animals in psychophysical tasks seeking assistance from Technician when necessary. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, general care and maintenance of laboratory animals, data collection, record keeping, taking stock of inventory and arrange orders as necessary, maintain equipment and lab cleanliness, high attention to detail and organization. Will work with a computer programmer to report program issues that need resolving and will assist in troubleshooting program issues. Communicate regularly with lab members and provide status updates.

Data analysis tasks include: Assisting PI and post-docs as necessary on data analysis or processing. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, accessing data stores and locating relevant data, organizing data as requested, attend meetings regarding various projects. Must be familiar with common computer skills such as using Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc. Must feel comfortable reaching out to others to request assistance when necessary and have the ability to problem solve.

Qualifications: BS in Brain and Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Psychology or similar field, with Matlab preferred. Willing to be trained to work with non-human primates.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae including names of three references to:
Michele Schultz
Center for Visual Science
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 14627-0270