Scientific Software Engineer - TERM

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.

• 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.