Principal Optical Scientist

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Nanoscale Systems (CNS) at Harvard University seeks an enthusiastic individual to work within the Imaging and Analysis Group as a Senior Scientist devoted to our Optical Spectroscopy Core. The position will train and support users in the use of a wide variety of standard spectral techniques, UV/Vis. FTIR, Raman, etc. In addition, the role will support the development and training of a range of next generation spectral tools including, Nonlinear Optical Imaging, Scan Probe Optical Imaging and Spectroscopic Techniques, as well as Ultrafast Optics support. CNS is an open, shared-use facility that serves all of Harvard as well as external academic and industrial users. Working under the supervision of the CNS Executive Director and the Imaging and Analysis Facility Manager, this person will oversee the rapidly evolving and expanding spectroscopy laboratory. Helping users in fields ranging from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Engineering. The goal will be to support exciting, emerging, new areas of research and CNS expects to be at the cutting edge of these technologies. The incumbent must be extremely well versed in linear and nonlinear optics, nanooptics, and nanophotonics, and have a detailed understanding of the design, construction, and development of optical systems. These tools are defining an entirely new realm of nanoscale materials and device characterization, and they will become essential tools in the advancement of world-class nanoscience. To this end this person will serve as one of the focal points of Optical technology advancement for CNS. As such, the applicant must be comfortable with instrument development, training new facility users on sample preparation, instrument operation, and computational data analysis. The candidate needs to have advanced knowledge and experience in operation of an array of imaging paradigms for optical characterization. In addition, the incumbent must be familiar with ultrafast laser based spectral imaging systems, particularly in the area of ultra-high-resolution optical imaging. The incumbent will become resource for collaboration and must have strong written and verbal communication skills. The candidate will also perform work for remote CNS users. Detailed record keeping of instrument activity, experimental results, maintenance and repair logs, and operating procedures is expected.

Requirements

• PhD in a related scientific discipline
• Minimum of eight years’ relevant work experience
• Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or equivalent field.
• 3 or more years of nonlinear optical microscopy experience.
• Experience with image processing and analysis
• Basic understanding of computer scripting and instrument software development is required.
• Significant experience in laboratory environments
• Fully comfortable working in a spectroscopic imaging facility.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in development and operation of Optical and Scan-probe instrumentation.
• Self-motivated with a strong desire to acquire on-the-job training, to succeed, and to develop intellectual and practical professional skills.
• Excellent English and written skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in teams and with graduate and undergraduate students is essential.
• Excellent reporting and communications skills are a must.

Nice To Haves

• 10+ years of experience and an Advanced degree in Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field is preferred.
• Significant experience with optics and nanophotonics, both instrumentation and modeling, including the use of COMSOL multi-physics or other e-field modeling platforms.
• A demonstrated track record of research excellence and leadership in the Nonlinear Optical Imaging, Photonics and/or Scan-probe microscopy is expected.
• The individual would be expected to reach out to the vibrant local academic and industrial research base to raise the profile and expand the user base and application space for nanospectroscopy at Harvard CNS.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute a range of complex scientific research in a core facility environment including planning and optimizing research, designing analysis algorithms, and providing training to researchers, faculty, and staff.
• Train and support users in the use of a wide variety of standard spectral techniques, UV/Vis. FTIR, Raman, etc.
• Support the development and training of a range of next generation spectral tools including, Nonlinear Optical Imaging, Scan Probe Optical Imaging and Spectroscopic Techniques, as well as Ultrafast Optics support.
• Oversee the rapidly evolving and expanding spectroscopy laboratory.
• Help users in fields ranging from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Engineering.
• Support exciting, emerging, new areas of research.
• Serve as one of the focal points of Optical technology advancement for CNS.
• Perform instrument development, training new facility users on sample preparation, instrument operation, and computational data analysis.
• Operate an array of imaging paradigms for optical characterization.
• Become a resource for collaboration.
• Perform work for remote CNS users.
• Maintain detailed record keeping of instrument activity, experimental results, maintenance and repair logs, and operating procedures.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree