Scientist in the Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Lab (Dr. Robles) at St Jude Department of Imaging Sciences

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital • Memphis, TN

20d

About The Position

A Research Scientist position is available in Dr. Francisco Robles’ Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy (OIS) Lab within the Department of Imaging Sciences at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The department is recruiting faculty-level scientists and engineers to develop novel imaging technologies that accelerate scientific discovery and improve clinical care. The OIS Lab develops label-free optical imaging and computational microscopy tools to quantify biological structure and function across in vivo clinical imaging, slide-free histology, hematology, organoids, and cell manufacturing. Its work combines innovative optical systems with physics-based reconstruction and AI to enable new discoveries and clinically actionable imaging.

The Research Scientist will lead an independent research project with mentorship and collaboration. Potential project areas include handheld or probe-based systems for in vivo clinical imaging, computational reconstruction and real-time pipelines, AI-enabled analysis, point-of-care systems, DUV microscopy for rapid cytology and hematology measurements, longitudinal noninvasive imaging of 3D models such as organoids, and translational workflows. The role also involves overseeing cell cultures and preclinical research protocols.

Requirements

• PhD in biomedical engineering, electrical or computer engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, biology, or a 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, and ability to work with large imaging datasets.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication.
• Minimum relevant work experience: 8 years; 6 years with a master’s degree; or 3 years with a PhD.
• A bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required.

Nice To Haves

• Optical system design, microscopy, or instrumentation.
• Computational imaging, inverse problems, or optimization.
• Machine learning or AI for imaging.
• Laser-based imaging or nonlinear optics.
• Computer-Aided Design.
• Cell culture.
• Preclinical models.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent research project with mentorship and collaboration.
• Design and execute experiments independently and interpret data.
• Oversee cell cultures and preclinical research protocols.
• Conduct research in one or more areas such as in vivo optical imaging, computational reconstruction, real-time pipelines, AI-enabled analysis, point-of-care systems, DUV microscopy, imaging of 3D models, or translational workflows.
• Prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication.

What This Job Offers

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