Light Microscopy Specialist

Job Details

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General Notes

The is a collection of 10 service centers that operates under the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors (OVPR) and broadly supports the research community on campus and externally. CBRS serves a central role across all of campus to provide access to cutting-edge technology, expert advice, and centralized services. CBRS is comprised of core facilities including Biomedical Imaging, Bioinformatics, Biological Mass Spectrometry, Biomedical Research Computing, Cryo-EM imaging, Genome Sequencing, Microscopy/Flow Cytometry and Mouse Genetic Engineering. In addition, CBRS provides laboratory support in stockrooms, electronics repair, and external services drop boxes.

The Microscopy and Imaging Facility (MIF) is a core facility in the Center for Biomedical Research Support. Our mission is to support multidisciplinary research and further scientific knowledge by providing access to state-of-the-art light microscopy, flow cytometry, and other research instrumentation; consultations with our expert staff; instrument trainings; and educational seminars and workshops.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Light Microscopy Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for training and experimental support for fluorescence microscopes, particularly confocal microscopes. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in advancing research projects at UT.

We provide excellent customer service to our researchers, and we believe in making our instrumentation accessible to any researcher, no matter their previous experience level or knowledge. By training researchers in this role, you will contribute to the development of the next generation of scientists. Through working in a multidisciplinary core facility, you will gain experience with a wide variety of sample types and experiments. We are looking for someone who can work full-time on-site in the Microscopy and Imaging Facility to provide instrument support when needed.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

100% employer-paid basic medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Purpose

This position will support research at the University of Texas at Austin by providing training on advanced fluorescence microscopes and consultations with users on their experiments. 

Responsibilities

Trains researchers on the theory behind advanced fluorescence microscopes and on how to acquire quantifiable light microscopy data. Instructs researchers on proper operation and ensures safe, responsible use of microscopes. Provides additional support for troubleshooting and new microscopy techniques after training.

Advises researchers about experiment design, data acquisition, and image analysis. Responds to researcher inquiries in a timely manner during working hours.

Stays current with advances in light microscopy instrumentation and techniques. Works with the facility director to identify upgrades to our instrumentation.

Provides periodic maintenance of current and future instrumentation and related computer systems in the Microscopy and Imaging Facility. Monitors use of microscope rooms and ensures spaces are kept tidy. Performs routine quality control of advanced fluorescence microscopes and document results. Consults with the facility director to diagnose microscope issues. Schedule with external service technicians as needed.

Operates microscopes on behalf of researchers as assisted use.

Develops operating and safety protocols as required for current equipment and changes in methodology. Assists the facility director with adherence to laser safety requirements.

Conducts lab administrative duties, including imaging supplies management and monthly billing. Maintains record keeping and scheduling for microscopy instrumentation.

Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with 4 years' experience or master's degree with 2 years' experience in life science, engineering, or another related field

Hands-on experience with a laser scanning confocal microscope

A working knowledge of the fundamentals of confocal microscopy and other fluorescence microscopy techniques

A working knowledge of fluorescence microscopy sample preparation techniques and best practices

Experience teaching and/or training others to use scientific instruments

Ability to work independently to complete responsibilities

Strong organizational and time management skills

Strong interpersonal skills to work in a customer-facing role

Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team environment

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in life science, engineering, or another related field

Hands-on experience using other advanced fluorescence microscopes, such as PALM/STORM, SIM, spinning disk, TIRF, multiphoton, STED, or selective plane illumination light sheet

Experience with microscopy sample preparation protocols, including clearing

Experience with image processing and analysis with ImageJ, Imaris, NIS-Elements, MATLAB or other software

Experience with microscope maintenance, including cleaning, alignment, and quality control

Prior professional experience in a core facility

Salary Range

$65,000 + depending on qualifications 

Working Conditions

Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)

May work around chemical fumes

May work around standard office conditions

May work around biohazards

May work around chemicals

Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

Use of manual dexterity

Lifting and moving

Required Materials

Please mark "yes" on the application for required materials. Failure to attach all additional materials listed may affect candidates being considered for the position.

Resume/CV

3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Letter of interest

Important   for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:  You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:  As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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