Research Scientist, Biomedical Engineering

Boston University • Boston, MA

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Electrical Engineer / Research Scientist will lead the design, development, characterization, and maintenance of wearable biomedical optical instruments for brain imaging and peripheral sensing research. The role spans analog and digital circuit design, PCB layout, FPGA and embedded firmware, sensor and camera systems, and integration of optical and electronic subsystems into compact wearable packages. The successful candidate must be self-driven and capable of largely independent work.

Requirements

• BS in Electrical Engineering, ECE, or related field required.
• Proficient in PCB design (Altium, KiCad, or Eagle).
• Proficient in analog/mixed-signal circuit design.
• Proficient in FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog).
• Proficient in embedded C.
• Proficient in Python/MATLAB.
• Comfortable designing for tight size, weight, and power constraints.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• MS/PhD preferred.
• Some professional work experience is a plus.
• Experience with camera/image sensors.
• Experience with optical systems (free-space or fiber).
• Experience with SiPM/APD detectors is a strong plus.
• Background in wearable/implantable biomedical devices.
• Background in near-infrared optical spectroscopy (CW-NIRS, SCOS, DCS).
• Background in low-power wireless (BLE/Zigbee).
• Publication record in instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate mixed-signal electronic circuits for wearable instruments, from schematic through fabrication and bring-up.
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog) and embedded C firmware for real-time data acquisition and instrument control.
• Develop unit tests and test benches.
• Characterize sensors, cameras, and optical front-ends (photodetectors, SiPM, lasers/LEDs) for low-noise, low-light performance.
• Integrate optics, electronics, and firmware into compact, deployable wearable systems; support other modalities (e.g., EEG, IMU).
• Design or supervise the design of PCBs (multilayer, rigid and flexible) including low-noise techniques and impedance control.
• Bench test and troubleshoot hardware using standard lab instruments; hands-on assembly, soldering, and rework.
• Document designs and performance; mentor students/postdocs on hardware topics; contribute to publications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level