Scientific Software Engineer - TERM

Position Summary:

Please note that a cover letter is required to be considered for this position.

We are seeking a versatile Scientific Software Engineer to develop software for next-generation biomedical imaging systems, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), smartphone-based medical devices, AI-assisted imaging, and clinical research platforms. This role spans the complete software stack-from hardware

communication and instrument control to desktop/mobile applications, cloud infrastructure, data analysis pipelines, and laboratory automation.

This is not a traditional app developer position. While mobile and desktop application

development are important, the successful candidate must also be capable of interfacing directly

with custom biomedical hardware, developing hardware communication layers and instrument control

software, and supporting laboratory automation initiatives.

About the Work Unit:

The Biomedical Engineering department is within the Vanderbilt School of Engineering and is at

the center of cutting edge and world-renowned research and discovery. This work will

specifically be at the intersection of Medical Imaging and Biophotonics academic centers. You

will help create first-in-class biomedical imaging technologies that improve healthcare access

through innovations in optical imaging, wearable sensing, AI, and mobile health. Projects span

NIH-funded research, translational medical devices, commercialization efforts, and advanced

laboratory automation.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Develop software for scientific instruments including cameras, spectrometers, OCT/fNIRS

systems, motion stages, DAQ hardware, microcontrollers, Bluetooth and USB devices.

Build real-time acquisition, processing, visualization, calibration, synchronization, and

diagnostic software.

Develop Android, iOS, Windows, and cross-platform applications for research and clinical

workflows.

Implement image processing, signal processing, computer vision, AI integration, and

scientific visualization. Design laboratory automation tools for experiment management, data pipelines,

inventory, reporting, and operational workflows.

Develop HIPAA-conscious data management, cloud synchronization, and research

databases.

Maintain high software quality using Git, testing, documentation, and CI/CD.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and

functionally to the Primary Investigator.

Education and Certifications

BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering,

Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, Software Engineering, or related field is required.

Strong professional software development experience is also required.

Experience and Skills:

Python, C++, and at least one of C#, Java, or Kotlin experience is required.

Experience with OpenCV, NumPy, SciPy, and scientific computing is required.

Hardware communication (USB, Serial, Bluetooth, TCP/IP, SDK integration, camera

APIs, LabView) experience is required.

Desktop GUI development (Qt, .NET, Electron, or similar) experience is required.

Android development; additional iOS experience preferred.

SQL, REST APIs, Docker, Linux, Git experience is required.

Scientific instrumentation, medical devices, robotics, microscopy, OCT, fNIRS,

biomedical imaging, computer vision, machine learning deployment, FDA-regulated

software, HIPAA-compliant systems experience is preferred.

Comfort working from low-level hardware interfaces through polished user interfaces is

ideal.

Enjoyment of interdisciplinary research with scientists and clinicians is ideal.

Ability to independently solve ambiguous engineering problems and rapidly learn new

technologies is ideal.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.