Photonics Engineer (vacancy filled)

Profile of candidates/requirements:

1. Holds a Master’s degree (or equivalent industry experience) in engineering, physics, visual science/optometry, or related fields;
2. Solid background knowledge and documented hands-on experience (3+ years) in:
   • Imaging optics, including laser beam optics
   • Optical and optomechanical system design (e.g. Zemax, Solidworks)
   • Practical optical bench system construction and testing
3. And at least one of the following:
   • Optical coherence tomography or Confocal/non-linear microscopy
   • Real-time instrumentation control (e.g. with LabView)
   • 3D/4D image acquisition, processing and visualization (e.g. with LabView, MATLAB, Python)
4. Very good written and oral communication skills in English
5. High motivation for complex biomedical imaging projects, analytical skills, and independent thinking
6. Good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team, collaborative attitude
7. A proactive approach to problem solving, achieving tasks and objectives in a timely manner

Key responsibilities include:

1. Working as a photonics engineer at the International Centre for Translational Eye Research, under the supervision of Dr Curatolo
2. Contributing to research and development projects, including:
   • Designing, procuring components, assembling, aligning, testing and operating a Full-field Fourier-domain OCT system for live small animal retinal imaging as part of the first platform for in vivo mouse retinal functional imaging (optoretinography);
   • designing and testing intraocular OCT-compatible surgical tools, with a focus on shadowless IR optical sheathing;  
   • aiding construction and testing of a novel surgical ophthalmic microscope-integrated OCT system in a platform for intraoperative ophthalmic image guidance of robotic-aided treatments
3. Collaborating closely with other team members, and liaising with the software developer/digital signal processing engineer
4. Assisting in acquiring experimental results in a laboratory or preclinical/clinical setting
5. Develop methods to process and analyse the collected data
6. Presenting research activities and results in reports, presentations, research publications, and to other team, laboratory, centre or institute members, visitors, peers and potential sponsors
7. Managing day-to-day activities, such as ordering and commissioning equipment
8. Assisting in the supervision of master’s and undergraduate students
9. Participating in other research projects undertaken within the lab as appropriate and as agreed
10. Performing other duties as directed.

Key assesment criteria:

1. Documented professional experience fitting the profile requirements
2. Level of seniority and independence shown in previous work experience
3. Presented opinions via reference letters (if required)

Required documents:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Cover/motivation letter
3. List of the projects where the candidate played an important role (it should contain a brief description with major project aims, the clear candidate’s contribution, challenges and outcomes, or other deliverable)
4. Name and email of 2 referees
5. Scanned copy of candidate’s highest degree certificate (if deemed to have sufficient equivalent industry experience).

We offer:

1. Full-time employment contract
2. Opportunity to work in an innovative scientific environment
3. International cooperation with experienced researchers
4. Very attractive salary (depending on experience)
5. Access to well-staffed core facilities