Under direct supervision, play a leadership role to develop advanced spectrometer for electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at 10 GHz.
The Sidabras Laboratory at the Medical College of Wisconsin invites applications for a Microwave Systems Engineer at the postdoctoral or advanced MS level. The primary objective of this position is to reproduce, document, and advance an existing EPR spectrometer platform into a compact, energy-efficient next-generation system under active NIH STTR translation funding.
This is a hands-on systems engineering role. You will work directly with Dr. Sidabras to understand every subsystem of the current spectrometer, duplicate its core functionality, and then push it further. The goal is a working next-generation prototype within two years.
When applying provide a brief statement describing a system or circuit you built and validated: What was the specification, where did it push back, and how did you prove it worked?
Direct engagement with a working EPR spectrometer platform with active NIH and STTR funding
Primary engineering role on a next-generation compact system development: your hands, your build
FDA clearance pathway exposure as the STTR matures. A rare training opportunity at the intersection of instrumentation and regulatory science
Two-year funding commitment with continuation potential tied to STTR and U01 expansion
Direct mentorship from Dr. Sidabras in a small, focused lab environment
Systematically document, reproduce, and validate the existing EPR spectrometer architecture
Design and implement microwave circuits across spectrometer subsystems: source, coupling, resonator, and detection
Drive incremental system improvements toward a compact, energy-efficient form factor
Simulate and validate resonator and coupling structures in HFSS with bench confirmation
Contribute to STTR milestone deliverables including prototypes, performance benchmarks, and regulatory documentation
Produce peer-reviewed publications and technical reports as direct outputs of this work
Assist with the collection and analysis of data
Interact with clinical and research faculty to determine how to further develop, optimize, and test the equipment.
Compile information gathered from testing and analysis to generate complete reports to faculty and outside funding organizations.
Assist faculty in the timely preparation of manuscripts, reports and grants.
Provide on-going statistical, computer programming, and maintenance for research performed.
Other duties as assigned.
MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline
Hands-on bench experience with microwave circuits, RF instrumentation (VNA, Spectrum Analyzer), or systems integration required
Working knowledge of microwave circuit theory: transmission lines, matching networks, waveguide structures, low-noise signal chains
HFSS or equivalent FEM simulation experience preferred, lab-specific training provided
Self-starter who can work with significant autonomy and defend technical decisions with measured data
Strong technical writing and documentation skills: publications and progress reporting are expected outputs
Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, and resource management.
Appropriate experience may be substituted for education an on equivalent basis.
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum Required Experience: 3 years
Preferred Education: Master's Degree
Preferred Experience: 1 year or PhD equivalent
Physical RequirementsWork requires infrequent physical effort such as walking or retrieving materials.
Work EnvironmentMay experience slightly disagreeable features such as temperature changes or noise from time to time. Work performed in an environmentally controlled environment.
Sensory AcuityAbility to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.
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Why MCW?
- Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
- 403B Retirement Package
- Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Pet Insurance
- On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
- Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.
For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview
For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers
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The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (minimum)
- Minimum 3 years relevant experience
- Hands-on bench experience with microwave circuits, RF instrumentation (VNA, Spectrum Analyzer), or systems integration
- Working knowledge of microwave circuit theory: transmission lines, matching networks, waveguide structures, low-noise signal chains
- Strong technical writing and documentation skills; ability to produce publications and reports
- Self-starter able to work autonomously and defend technical decisions with measured data
- Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, and resource management
- HFSS or equivalent FEM simulation experience
- Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or closely related discipline
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