Boston University

Research Scientist, Biomedical Engineering

Boston University • $95K — $115K *
Boston, MA 02115In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Electrical Engineering or related field required; MS/PhD preferred.
  • Open to all experience levels based on technical fit.
  • Professional work experience is a plus.
  • Proficient in PCB design tools (Altium, KiCad, Eagle) and mixed-signal circuit design.
  • Experience with camera/image sensors, optical systems, and SiPM/APD detectors preferred.
  • Ability to design for size, weight, and power constraints; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design and validate mixed-signal electronic circuits for wearable biomedical instruments.
  • Develop FPGA firmware and embedded C firmware for data acquisition and control.
  • Create unit tests and test benches for circuit functionality.
  • Characterize optical front-ends for low-noise, low-light performance.
  • Integrate optics and electronics into wearable systems.
  • Supervise the design of PCBs with noise control techniques.
  • Conduct bench testing and troubleshooting of hardware; hands-on assembly.

Benefits

  • Mentoring opportunities for students and postdoctoral researchers.
  • Collaborative work environment with clinical partners in Boston.
  • Contribution to publications in the field of biomedical engineering.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Electrical Engineer / Research Scientist will lead the design, development, characterization, and maintenance of wearable biomedical optical instruments for brain imaging and peripheral sensing research. The role spans analog and digital circuit design, PCB layout, FPGA and embedded firmware, sensor and camera systems, and integration of optical and electronic subsystems into compact wearable packages. The successful candidate must be self-driven and capable of largely independent work. Interested candidates should email David Boas ([redacted]) with a resume and a cover letter indicating (1) qualifications related to this position and (2) a short description of one of their prior circuit designs.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Design and validate mixed-signal electronic circuits for wearable instruments, from schematic through fabrication and bring-up.
  • Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog) and embedded C firmware for real-time data acquisition and instrument control.
  • Develop unit tests and test benches.
  • Characterize sensors, cameras, and optical front-ends (photodetectors, SiPM, lasers/LEDs) for low-noise, low-light performance.
  • Integrate optics, electronics, and firmware into compact, deployable wearable systems; support other modalities (e.g., EEG, IMU)
  • Design or supervise the design of PCBs (multilayer, rigid and flexible) including low-noise techniques and impedance control.
  • Bench test and troubleshoot hardware using standard lab instruments; hands-on assembly, soldering, and rework.
  • Document designs and performance; mentor students/postdocs on hardware topics; contribute to publications.


Required Skills

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, ECE, or related field required; MS/PhD preferred.
  • Open to all experience levels (early-career through senior), given strong technical fit.
  • Some professional work experience is a plus.
  • Proficient in PCB design (Altium, KiCad, or Eagle), analog/mixed-signal circuit design, FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog), embedded C, and Python/MATLAB.
  • Experience with camera/image sensors, optical systems (free-space or fiber), and SiPM/APD detectors is a strong plus.
  • Comfortable designing for tight size, weight, and power constraints; strong documentation and communication skills.


Preferred:
  • Background in wearable/implantable biomedical devices, near-infrared optical spectroscopy (CW-NIRS, SCOS, DCS), or low-power wireless (BLE/Zigbee); publication record in instrumentation.
  • Working Conditions Lab/office environment at CILSE, Boston University; hands-on hardware work is a daily core activity, with occasional collaboration with Boston-area clinical partners.


About Boston University

Boston University (BU) is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. The university is nonsectarian but maintains its historical affiliation with the United Methodist Church. It was founded in 1839 by Methodists with its original campus in Newbury, Vermont, before moving to Boston in 1867. The university now has more than 3,900 faculty members and nearly 33,000 students, and is one of Boston's largest employers. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorates, and medical, dental, business, and law degrees through 17 schools and colleges on two urban campuses. BU is a member of the Boston Consortium for Higher Education and the Association of American Universities.
Learn more about Boston University
Size
10,000 employees
Industry
Education, Government & Non-Profit
* Ladders Estimates

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