Senior Staff Scientist

Key Skills

C++, Java Programming, Machine learning techniques, MATLAB Programming, Python Programming

Job Description

Senior Staff Scientist position available in the FIB-SEM Collaboration Core (F-SCC) (https://medicine.yale.edu/fib-sem/) of Yale School of Medicine. At the forefront of volume Electron Microscopy, the F-SCC ultilizes the state of the art enhanced Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) technology for large volume imaging with nanometer isotropic resolution. Under supervision of the Directors of F-SCC, the candidate will become familiar with the pioneering enhanced FIB-SEM pipeline that includes: electron microscopy (EM) sample preparation of biological specimens, FIB-SEM sample preparation guided by x-ray micro-CT, enhanced FIB-SEM imaging, post data processing, and image analysis using deep learning neural network approach. The enhanced FIB-SEM pipeline generates unprecedented 3D large volume datasets at the highest isotropic resolution. The candidate will primarily focus on image analysis via machine learning to transform the best of its kind 3D volume EM images into new biological discoveries. The candidate is expected to work closely with internal and external collaborators and group members.

Specific responsibilities include: 1. Perform manual annotation on a small volume to create ground truth. 2. Apply machine learning to segment the entire volume that is orders of magnitude greater than the annotated volume. This can be done via in-house development of segmentation algorithm or via commercially available software packages. 3. Train and lead annotators and proofreaders to generate the ground truth and to correct the mistakes from machine learning predictions. 4. Use the segmented data as the starting point for biological analysis and visualization. 5. Work with collaborators to customize work flow and to enable discoveries. 6. Perform IT related system administration duties.

Dept/Section URL

https://medicine.yale.edu/fib-sem/

Essential Duties

1. Carries out the wide range of specialized scientific methods and procedures used in the laboratory. 2. Responsible for resource planning, allocation, and planning renovations. Determines, develops, and implements the operative framework of the laboratory as it relates to long-term goals, needs, and direction. 3. Keeps abreast of newly-evolving technologies, instrumentation, and methodologies and purchases new instrumentation. 4. Develops, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes scientific results. 5. Establishes policies and procedures governing operation of the laboratory. 6. Independently investigates and solves biotechnological problems as they arise through research and extensive literary searches. Determines subsequent experimental approaches. 7. Independently decides when additional analyses are needed, arranges for the needed analyses and interprets the resulting design and implements customized protocols. 8. Authorizes and organizes the use of laboratory and equipment to ensure timely completion of research projects. 9. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master's Degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or other related discipline and five years of experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Ability to learn and develop machine learning based image segmentation software. Ability to learn and carry out IT related system administration duties.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Proficiency in one or more programing languages such as Python, Java, C++, Matlab, etc. Proficiency in using diverse software tools.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Ability to participate in writing of grant proposals and manuscripts.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Ability to search and interpret scientific papers, reproduce and learn from the best practice to continue improving the segmentation pipeline at F-SCC.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Ability to anticipate project needs and plan carefully to optimize resources necessary for successful project completion.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Ph.D. degree in computer science, biology, engineering or other related disciplines plus five years of relevant experience. Special considerations will be given to candidates who have strong background in both software programming and biology, and have hands-on machine learning experience.

Weekend Hours Required?

Occasional

Evening Hours Required?

Occasional

Drug Screen

No

Health Screening

No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit Learn about background checks under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The University maintains policies pertaining to COVID-19. All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies, which may be found here:

https://covid19.yale.edu/health-guidelines

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

EEO Statement:

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yaleís Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individualís sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.