Assistant Systems Programmer

The Organization

As an independent research organization, the Morgridge Institute for Research explores uncharted scientific territory to discover tomorrow’s cures. In affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we support researchers who take a fearless approach to advancing human health in emerging fields such as virology, advanced multi-scale fluorescence and electron microscopy, metabolism and regenerative biology. Through public programming, we work to inspire scientific curiosity in everyday life.

Job Purpose:

The Morgridge Institute for Research seeks an Assistant Systems Programmer to support research projects and day-to-day operations of the Skala Lab. The Skala lab collaborates with UW–Madison Biomedical Engineering to develop new methods to understand and combat cancer using photonics-based technologies, and is particularly interested in developing personalized cancer treatment strategies and more effective cancer therapies. The Assistant Systems Programmer will be responsible for independently conducting imaging experiments, performing quantitative image analysis, and undertaking machine learning projects. She or he will complete all work while following biosafety, animal, and human subjects research regulations and guidelines.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform imaging experiments and quantitative image analysis.
• Investigate relevant image analysis technologies that may improve research.
• Develop cell segmentation processes.
• Undertake projects requiring machine learning techniques.
• Keep up to date with training per safety and protocol requirements.
• Clearly communicate research progress results to project stakeholders
• Prepare weekly overviews of work completed and planned. Give updates, including outlining progress and setbacks, and solicit feedback in regular meetings.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to other researcher’s projects in regular meetings.
• Utilize expertise to assist or lead other projects within the laboratory as appropriate.
• Form and contribute to collaborations with other labs. Maintain relationships with collaborators and hold oneself to professional standards.
• Other miscellaneous duties as required.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary duties.

Education and Experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, computer science, physics, biology, or related discipline.
• Experience in programming, e.g. Python, micromanager, C, C++, Matlab, Labview, R.
• Experience in machine learning.
• Experience with laboratory research, microscopy, and image analysis is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Experience in programming, e.g. MatLab, Python, R, micromanager, C, C++, Labview.
• Strong background in biology and computer science or engineering.
• Ability to perform reproducible quantitative imaging experiments.
• Working knowledge of quantitative analysis.
• Ability to leverage previous experiences to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to take initiative and independently evaluate project options.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments concurrently while working independently and effectively under deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic research team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.

In order to insure the safety of our workplace, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required unless an exemption is granted for medical, disability or religious reasons.