Engineer/Scientist I-II, Spatial Biology, Optical Design and Development

Key Skills

C Programming, Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques, Python Programming, Zemax

Job Description

We are seeking an Engineer/Scientist to join our Research and Development group. In this role you will work on the development of new genomic tools that consist of instrumentation, consumables, and chemistry. This position is focused on next generation platforms and the improvement of the recently launched new spatial molecular imager (SMI). This platform leverages Hyb & Seq (a novel single molecule hybridization-based sequencing) chemistry to spatially profile expression of 1000+ genes at single cell and sub cellular resolution across tissue samples. The work is highly interdisciplinary will involve working closely with biologists, scientists, software engineers, and external OEM manufacturers. The applicant will be expected to have strong verbal and written communication skills and will be expected to manage communication with OEM partners. The position will involve development of optical instrumentation as well as testing of designs. The applicant will be expected to help automate SMI imaging data acquisition.

Work Arrangements: This is a 100% on-site position at our facility in South Lake Union (Seattle). Occasional work from home is acceptable as needed.

Essential Functions:

• Develop instrument systems
• Design hardware related to imaging/optics
• Automation of motion, imaging, and fluidic control
• Image processing and analysis using script, machine learning

Requirements (Education, Experience, Specific Skills):

• Ph.D. Degree in mechanical, optical, electrical, bioengineering, physics, bio-physics or related field desired. Experience in lieu of Ph.D. will be considered.
• Experience with design of optical systems
• Experience with optics and advanced fluorescent microscopy
• Experience with optical component selection, alignment, and optical tables
• Automation of instrument control and image acquisition
• Experience with light sources (lasers and LEDs) and fiber optics for microscopy illumination
• Experience with optics modeling software (Zemax)
• Knowledge of image analysis programs, machine learning and/or programming skills
• A hands-on orientation toward experimentation and rapid prototype development
• Ability to carry out experiments to verify performance of designs
• Ability to work both independently and closely in collaboration with a core team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Wet bench skills

Additional beneficial qualifications include:

• + 2-4 years’ experience is desired and expected for the Scientist II level
• Experience with superresolution microscopy and advanced imaging technologies such as lightsheet microscopy, 3D imaging, Multiphoton microscopy
• Machine learning application for image processing
• Programming experience in C (C# preferred) and/or Python.
• Experience with Solidworks
• Experience designing mechanical components for optic assemblies
• Experience imaging and assays involving tissue preparations, especially FFPE (formalin fixed paraffin embedded) tissue.
• Experience with digital pathology/immunohistochemistry slides

Target Base Salary Range:

Scientist I: $87,000 - $120,000

Scientist II: $95,000 - $131,000

Should a candidate exceed all qualifications of the job description, we can consider them for a Senior level position.

Base salary is an integral part of NanoString’s total compensation package. Base salary considers an individual’s skills, experience, and competitive market value. The base salary range represent what NanoString pays for a job within a salary grade based on external market data in comparison to similar positions from other companies in our industry. Employees generally enter a salary grade at the lower-to-mid-point in the range.

Other compensation elements include a discretionary annual bonus, incentive compensation for sales roles, Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) grants for all new hires, comprehensive benefit plans and paid time off, including designated holidays.

NanoString is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. NanoString does not accept unsolicited agency resumes and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that it does not have a signed agreement with.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT: NanoString has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that applies to ALL U.S. employees (regardless of work location), onsite contractors and visitors except as prohibited by applicable law. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination within 31 days of their hiring date or have applied for an exemption for which an accommodation can be made. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final (or only) dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. Exemptions will be considered for medical conditions/disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, observations, or practices. For any visitor coming onsite to one of NanoString’s facilities, we must verify that the visitor is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to site entry and visitors must don a face mask at all times when onsite in a NanoString facility.