Apply for Job Job ID362038 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyResearch-Researchers Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code8352R2 Employee ClassCivil Service Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job Align and maintain optical systems (commercial products and custom designs). Commercial products include femtosecond pulsed laser sources, non-collinear optical parametric amplifiers, and deformable mirrors. Custom optics include beam steering from laser to microscope, beam shaping, pre-chirp compensation optics, pockels cells, filters and mirrors for long wavelength laser transmission Based on existing designs, assist a senior optical engineer to optimize multi-photon microscopes in the laboratory Follow through on tasks assigned by the senior optical engineer and/or the principal investigator Meet regularly with members of the laboratory to discuss, prioritize and review tasks Regularly characterize the performance of commercial and custom optical systems which include multi-photon lasers, table optics and microscopes Write and edit code in scientific computing and automation software (e.g. MATLAB, Python, ScanImage) Document the detailed progress of tasks in a virtual laboratory notebook and/or Slack channel Qualifications Required Qualifications: BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Biomedical Engineering or Physics and 1 year of related experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience to equal five (5) years Preferred Qualifications: * Familiarity with the principles of nonlinear optics, * Experience with the operation of commercial ultrafast laser systems, * Knowledge of electro-optical and acousto-optical systems: electro-optical deflectors, Pockels Cells, acousto-optic modulators, * Knowledge of electro-mechanical systems: servos, positioning systems, piezoelectric devices, position feedback devices, * Experience using confocal or multi-photon microscopes About the Department The Kara lab, located in the Department of Neuroscience, solves puzzles in sensory perception and neurovascular coupling in the mammalian brain. We use two-photon and three-photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiological techniques in vivo. Our long-term goal is to obtain a comprehensive view of how the brain adapts to change in health and disease. Our research is grounded in basic science but our approaches will gradually crossover into disease models such as stroke and amblyopia. See our Research page for more information. Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits. How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job A plications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022). The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.