Research Associate 2 – Image Analysis & Microscopy

Purpose: The role supports laboratory operations by performing established image analysis workflows, developing new image analysis methods, and contributing to microscopy efforts. This position is ideal for individuals with a background in the life sciences, biomedical engineering, or a related field who have prior experience with image analysis workflow development and are eager to work in a fast-paced biotech environment. 
Salary range: $72,000-80,000, plus annual performance bonus

**Key Responsibilities **
General:
• Maintain detailed and accurate electronic records
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards, and safety and quality guidelines
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and software Image Analysis: • Use the NIS-Elements platform for microscopy and image analysis
• Perform routine image analysis workflows as assigned, including deploying automated analysis algorithms in batch, making manual binary layer edits to exclude tissue artifact, and retrieving/compiling analysis results
• Critically review and interpret raw image analysis outputs, including quantitative data and binary layers
• Follow and create SOPs for image analysis workflows
• Contribute to the development of new image analysis algorithms and workflows with progressively increasing independence
• Work under the direction of more senior personnel to support the integration of machine learning tools into image analysis workflows with progressively increasing independence
• Troubleshoot with progressively increasing independence and engage with software vendor support for assistance as needed.

Microscopy:
• Perform semi-automated image acquisition of whole tissue sections stained for brightfield or fluorescence microscopy, ensuring that all samples are captured in-focus
• Critically evaluate imaging settings for each experiment and adjust as appropriate
• Manage the slide scanning queue and workflows independently to maintain throughput
• When not capturing whole section images, identify and capture appropriate representative region location and size based on tissue characteristics and assay goals.
• Manage image distribution to sponsors with progressively increasing independence.

**Qualifications **
Required:
• Ability and commitment to work collaboratively within a team, including taking direction and feedback from managers and colleagues with professionalism, curiosity, and a growth-oriented mindset
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific discipline
• Minimum 4 years of prior full-time experience in a laboratory (academic or biotech) setting beyond coursework
• Minimum 2 years of prior independent microscopy experience
• Prior experience performing image analysis, including significant direct contribution to workflow development and independent interpretation of results
• A general understanding of machine learning/AI relevance to image analysis
• Strong attention to detail and documentation; strong organization skills
• Demonstrated ability to appropriately prioritize and complete assigned work independently
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort with other PC software platforms.

Preferred:
• Prior experience independently developing image analysis workflows
• Additional laboratory skills relevant to tissue-based assays (e.g. western blotting, histology, etc.)
• Prior experience with or knowledge of cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue
• Strong grasp of best practices for quantitative brightfield and fluorescence microscopy.

**Application **
• Send cover letter and resume to tvetter@divergetsl.com