You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has two openings for Visiting Research Scientists.  One will specialize in the engineering design, development and construction of optical systems for nanoscale chemical imaging.  The purpose of this position is to develop the instrumentation and software required for label-free chemical imaging with subcellular resolution using Atomic Force Microscopy or comparable methods.  The other Visiting Research Scientist will specialize in the engineering design, development and construction of optical systems for automated, high throughput imaging.  The purpose of this position is to develop the instrumentation and software required for label-free chemical imaging systems with potential intersection using other imaging modalities (fluorescence, brightfield, etc.).  Prior experience building optical imaging instruments with an emphasis on functionality, usability, reliability, and other key engineering principles is required.

 

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Full-stack conceptualization and implementation of instrumentation for label-free chemical imaging, including design efforts in optics, hardware, electronics and/or software.
  • Collaborations with other scientists to develop and apply new imaging technology.
  • Calibrating and validating instruments for benchmarking studies as well as collecting experimental data.
  • Crafting scholarly research articles and comprehensive progress reports to ensure sustained funding.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or similar disciplines.
  • Experience in benchtop optical system design and construction.
  • Programming experience relevant to instrument control, real-time data acquisition and/or data analyses.
  • Experience mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students and/or research staff.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Expertise in the design and fabrication of infrared microscopy and spectroscopy systems.
  • Proficiency with computer aided design (CAD) and simulation tools (Solidworks, Ansys), optical design tools (Code V, Zemax), programming languages (C, C++, C#, Java, Labview), scripting languages (Python, MATLAB) and/or similar tools.
  • Experience building functional, reliable, and useful tools as proven by its user base.
  • Publication history of highly cited and impactful research articles and reports for maintaining continued funding.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of software engineering, optical engineering, automation engineering or similar.
  • Professional certifications in relevant areas.
  • Effective presentation ability and strong collaboration skills in a research-intensive, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Broad understanding of optics, spectroscopy and microscopy.

 

Appointment information

This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on 12-month basis.  Position may become a regular, non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need.  The expected start date is as soon as possible after the posting period closes.  The salary range for this position is $65,000/year - $75,000/year.  Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements and budget constraints.

 

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (Central Time) on June 9, 2025.  Apply for this position by visiting https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/14057?c=illinois and using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page.  Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.  For further information about this specific position, please contact jobs@beckman.illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

 

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position.  Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

 

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.  Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view or non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. 

 

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process.  Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion.  Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.