Imaging Research Scientist - Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Imaging Research Scientist - Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute
This position requires in-person work on campus.
The Biophotonics Imaging Laboratory and the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology seek to fill a full-time position for an Imaging Research Scientist. The purpose of this position is to develop and demonstrate an integrated multi-modality intraoperative imaging system with a robotic arm-assisted hand-held probe for use in surgical oncology procedures. This project and system will integrate real-time label-free optical coherence tomography and nonlinear optical imaging technologies into a single platform, with AI-guided image analysis and rapid feedback for fully point-of-procedure imaging, diagnostics, and surgical decision making. The Imaging Research Scientist will work strategically with other optical imaging, AI, data integration, robotics, and human factors researchers, as well as multi-institutional clinical faculty in surgical oncology, pathology, and radiology to translate this novel imaging platform to clinical studies and trials, and eventually to commercialization. Experience in fast-paced, milestone-driven industry and start-up environments is preferred.
The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.
Job Summary
The Imaging Research Scientist will work strategically with other optical imaging, AI, data integration, robotics, and human factors researchers, as well as multi-institutional clinical faculty in surgical oncology, pathology, and radiology to translate this novel imaging platform to clinical studies and trials, and eventually to commercialization.Duties & Responsibilities
- Innovate and develop a novel integrated real-time label-free multi-modal intraoperative imaging platform, including both hardware and software, for applications in surgical oncology of breast, lung, and hepatobiliary-pancreatic cancers.
- Develop and design fiber-optic-based beam delivery systems for multimodal imaging with hand-held probes, rigid laparoscopes, and flexible endoscopes.
- Perform qualitative and quantitative validation using the platform system on pre-clinical animal models and human tissue specimens using established procedures and independent judgment to determine probable causes for low- and high-quality images.
- Work collaboratively with separate teams developing real-time AI algorithms, data infrastructure management, surgical robotics, and human factors.
- Work collaboratively with clinical teams at multiple institutions to demonstrate the operation and performance of the system platform in human clinical studies and registered clinical trials.
- Work closely with start-up and corporate industry partners responsible for seeking FDA regulatory and reimbursement code approvals as the technology advances toward commercialization.
- Perform established quality assurance procedures (quality control testing, instrument function checks and calibrations), maintain appropriate documentation, and report irregularities to the project team.
- Assess accuracy and validity of obtained test results by applying knowledge of relevant scientific principles, recognize changes that are critical to research studies, and identify probable causes for irregular and atypical findings.
- Maintain records of tests, examinations, and final results for all record functions and inquiries related to imaging human tissue specimens or human research participants.
- Assist in instructing students, post-docs, and research scientists in the principles and techniques of imaging science and technology.
- Continue to develop professionally (e.g., attend and present at conferences, publish research results, keep up on latest advances in the field).
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD degree in engineering or the physical sciences
- 5+ years of research experience in optical biomedical imaging or biophotonics, specifically in nonlinear optical imaging and/or optical coherence tomography
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading and managing project teams in fast-paced milestone-driven start-up or industry settings
- Experience working with pre-clinical animal models, human tissue specimens, and human participants in a clinical setting
- Experience working on and with interdisciplinary teams
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $70,000 to $95,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, May 30, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Thurman Etchison at 217-333-0034. 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 our 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.
Requisition ID: 1030555
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu