Research Scientist/Engineer 3

Job Description

Bioengineering has an outstanding opportunity for a RSE to join their team.

About this Opportunity

The Department of Bioengineering has an exciting opportunity for a highly qualified Research Scientist/Engineer 3 who will serves as a critical bridge between advanced algorithm development and OCT imaging system implementation, enabling the integration, optimization, and translation of complex imaging technologies across multiple research projects.

The Bioengineering Department at the University of Washington is looking to fill a position at the RSE-3 level in the research laboratory of Professor Ricky Wang. 

The Bioengineering Department at the University of Washington seeks to hire a Research Scientist Engineer (RSE-3) for a system and algorithm researcher position in the laboratory of Professor Ricky Wang. The lab is committed to advancing research in biomedical optics and imaging and clinical translations of lab-developed technologies. We foster an inclusive environment where collaboration, mentorship, and intellectual curiosity drive impactful research and professional growth. The lab is well supported by NIH, outside academic and government research institutions, external industrial users, and philanthropy.

Key Responsibilities:

Research (80%)

• Lead the refinement, validation, and deployment of optical imaging systems and their associated control interfaces for use by clinical and industrial collaborators. This includes improving system performance, usability, and reliability across diverse application environments.

• Apply machine learning and data-driven approaches for feature extraction, classification, and predictive modeling of ocular diseases using optical imaging datasets acquired from human study participants. Develop and optimize models to enhance diagnostic accuracy and generalizability.

• Formulate research hypotheses and design rigorous experimental protocols. Integrate multimodal imaging data into computational pipelines for model parameterization, quantitative analysis, and validation of scientific outcomes.

• Prepare, author, and contribute to high-quality research manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, ensuring clarity, methodological rigor, and adherence to publication standards.

• Utilize cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS) for scalable data processing, storage, and batch analysis workflows, supporting large-scale imaging studies and machine learning experiments.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary imaging researchers to support a wide range of research initiatives, providing technical and analytical assistance as needed.

• Offer computational expertise to internal and external collaborators, including the development of data acquisition, processing, and analysis tools using programming environments such as Python and MATLAB.

• Contribute to the preparation and writing of grant applications and research proposals, ensuring clear articulation of research objectives, methods, and broader impacts.

• Maintain organized, version-controlled codebases and ensure regular updates, documentation, and secure backups of all research-related software and analytical pipelines.

• Provide training and mentorship to students, researchers, and collaborators through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one instruction on current biomedical imaging techniques, computational models, and analysis tools.

• Maintain thorough and accurate records of research activities, including experimental procedures, data management practices, and analysis workflows, in compliance with institutional and funding requirements.

Project Management (20%)

• Maintain comprehensive and well-structured project documentation, primarily through GitHub repositories and Overleaf manuscripts, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and efficient collaboration.

• Support the end-to-end research publication process, including manuscript preparation, submission, revision, and correspondence with journals and reviewers.

• Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars, effectively communicating complex technical results to both specialized and interdisciplinary audiences.

• Assist in organizing and facilitating workshops and training sessions aimed at educating others on the use of current optical imaging systems and algorithmic models.

• Actively participate in group meetings, contributing to project planning, progress updates, and collaborative problem-solving discussions.

Additional Responsibilities

The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning additional tasks that are related to the role and aligned with organizational objectives.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science or a related science or engineering discipline.

• Minimum of four years of experience in optical coherence tomography and its associated algorithm developments with a strong understanding of clinical requirements of imaging devices

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Data Science

• Proven record of scientific writing and publication as first author in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

• Proficiency in programming languages and scientific computing (e.g., Python, Labview, MATLAB).

• Advanced expertise in AI-based optimization and machine learning applied to biological systems

• Experience with existing computational methods of OCT image processing

• Experience with blood flow velocity measurements

Visa Sponsorship

This recruitment is open to applicants who will require employer sponsorship for an H-1B or E-3 visa.

About the Team

UW Bioengineering is a vibrant community driving advances in health care. As a joint department in the College of Engineering and School of Medicine, we bring together students, scientists, engineers, and clinicians to develop innovative and cost-effective health care solutions that improve lives. Our inclusive and collaborative culture empowers our students, faculty, and staff to make an impact through new fields of research and clinical products. Our award-winning faculty are national leaders in biomedical education, research, and technology transfer. 

In UW Bioengineering, we are bound by a belief that public health and human dignity are inseparable. One is impossible without the other. Equity and inclusivity are fundamental to our mission of inventing the future of medicine.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$80,244.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$81,600.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.