Mechatronics Engineer

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

The Ruta lab at The Rockefeller University takes advantage of the relatively simple nervous system of the fruit fly Drosophila to examine how flexibility is engineered into the nervous system to give rise to adaptive behaviors, at the level of both individuals and species. They examine how learning rapidly shapes neural pathways to allow each member of a species to respond appropriately to their unique experience of the world. They also consider how neural circuits are adapted over longer evolutionary time scales to give rise to species-specific behaviors. The lab uses a wide array of techniques, from biochemistry to behavior, with the goal of revealing the explicit neural basis for flexible behavior at high resolution. Engineering methods to generate more precise and quantitative measures of neural activity and behavior are central to this goal. For more information, please visit

About the Mechatronics Engineer role:
We have an amazing opportunity for a Mechatronics Engineer to join the lab team. You will be a versatile engineer, working closely with neuroscientists and biologists to develop and support custom hardware systems for behavioral and neurophysiological experiments in fruit flies. The position will entail software development and integration with electromechanical components – primarily in MATLAB, Python, and C++ - working with soft and hard real-time systems. The laboratory extensively uses open-source software and hardware. A comfort with, and basic understanding of, mechanical and electronic-circuit design, alongside fabrication methods (rapid prototyping, milling, turning, etc.) is necessary for success. You should be able to work both independently and closely with biologists to accomplish a complete project cycle, from design through fabrication.

The lab has flexibility to allow for some occasional remote work if desired after an initial acclimation period.

What we provide:

What you’ll do:

What you bring:

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more.

Pay Type:

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.