We are seeking a highly motivated Advanced Imaging Specialist to join our vibrant, multidisciplinary team at the Advanced Imaging Facility of the Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham (UK). COMPARE is a joint multidisciplinary Research Centre of the Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham that brings together world-leading experts in microscopy, biophysics, and computer science to investigate the fundamental mechanisms of receptor signalling in physiology and disease. Our Advanced Microscopy Facility hosts 9 state-of-the-art fluorescence microscopes (lattice light sheet, Marianas diSPIM, Ultramicroscope II, Nikon N-STORM, 4-camera TIRF, ultrafast FRET/calcium imaging, Nikon N-SIM, ONI Nanoimager) plus several custom experimental set-ups.
The Advanced Imaging Specialist is a key role in COMPARE, taking responsibility for the management and day-to-day running of the Advanced Microscopy Facility, ensuring maintenance of the equipment and providing training and support to a wide user base. Working with the COMPARE Image Analysis Specialist, they provide comprehensive advice on experimental design, image acquisition, and data analysis. They will be the lead microscopist in COMPARE which covers >£4m of specialist light microscopes, many of which are highly innovative and require specialist knowledge of microscopy hardware and image analysis algorithms.
Minimum Requirements
Successful candidates should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Biology, Biophysics, Optical Engineering, or related field. They will have a firm background in cell biology and fluorescence microscopy, expert knowledge of the most common fluorescence microscopy techniques, and hands-on experience on imaging biological samples along with expertise in image processing and analysis (ImageJ, Arivis, MATLAB, Python, etc). Previous experience with running and/or working in a multiuser fluorescence microscopy facility is strongly preferred. Excellent organisational and communication skills, the ability to work as part of a team, and a willingness to help users are essential.
Main Duties
1. Maintain the microscopes in the COMPARE Advanced Microscopy Facility.
2. Develop research objectives and proposals for use of the range of specialist microscopes, including advising graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and PIs on the right microscope for each purpose.
3. Training of all individuals who wish to use the microscopes.
4. Contribute to writing bids for research funding for further specialist microscopes.
5. Analyse and interpret data from the advanced microscopes.
6. Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding into the organisation of membrane proteins.
7. Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars both internally and externally.
8. Provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
9. Contribute to developing new models, techniques, and methods.
10. Undertake management/administration arising from the use of the microscopes to achieve full cost recovery in five years.
11. Contribute to COMPARE research-related activities and research-related administration.
12. Contribute to enterprise, business development, and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under the supervision of a project leader.
13. Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
14. Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
15. Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
16. Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
17. Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
1. First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
2. High level analytical capability.
3. Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
4. Fluency in relevant models, techniques, or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones.
5. Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
6. Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
7. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
Informal enquiries to Professor Davide Calebiro D.Calebiro@bham.ac.uk or Dr Adriana Flores-Langarica A.FloresLangarica@bham.ac.uk.
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