This position supervises the Biology department’s Microscopy and Imaging Facility which includes a laser scanning confocal microscope, a transmission electron microscope, a scanning electron microscope, a wide-field fluorescence microscope with TIRF capabilities, a specimen preparation lab, ultramicrotomes, a flow cytometer, and other essential equipment. Primary responsibilities include monitoring the operation and maintenance of the confocal and electron microscopes and related equipment, assisting in teaching microscopy courses, and maintaining Biology Department light microscopes. This position also assists in the writing of operations and facility management sections for grants.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Microscopy or related field.
Three years of experience operating light and electron microscopes, from sample preparation to imaging.
Understanding of the principles and techniques of light and electron microscopy, ultramicrotomy, vacuum evaporation, critical point drying, sputter-coating and biological specimen preparation, including various methods of fixation, preservation, and dehydration.
Ability to train students in principles and techniques of light and electron microscopy.
Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and project a positive image.
Familiarity with Fiji/ImageJ and other relevant software, e.g., ZEN, NIS Elements. Familiarity with Photoshop for preparing images for figures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree or PhD.
Two or more years of experience supervising a microscopy facility.
Knowledge of advanced microscopy techniques such as electron cryomicroscopy and immunocytochemistry methods.
Knowledge of the preparation and microscopy of materials science specimens.
Knowledge and experience with FACS operation and analyses.

Responsible for supervising and monitoring the use of the confocal, other light microscopes, the electron microscopes and related ancillary equipment, and the specimen preparation lab.
Routine maintenance on electron microscopes (i.e., checking vacuum systems, checking electrical systems, changing and aligning filaments, and miscellaneous minor repairs).
Routine maintenance of the vacuum evaporator, sputter coater, critical point dryer, and microscopy facility computers.
Routine maintenance of confocal and light microscopes in the microscopy facility (i.e., weekly cleaning of confocal and checking functionality) and departmental microscopes (i.e., annual cleaning and inventory of teaching and research microscopes).
Contact appropriate service personnel as needed (including for contracted Preventive Maintenance visits).
Train faculty, staff, and students in the operation of the Facility microscopes and ancillary equipment (i.e., ultramicrotomes, sputter coater, critical point dryer, and the other preparatory equipment), and in the preparation of samples for the microscopes.
Assist faculty in the training of students to properly use the electron microscopes in our TEM and SEM courses.
Order supplies required to maintain and operate equipment and facilitate service contracts.
Supervise student employees hired to work for the Microscopy Facility.
Assist in the writing of the operation and facility management sections for grants.
Work with the College of Science and Engineering to provide content for the microscopy and imaging facility website.
Work with the Microscopy and Imaging faculty committee to support research and teaching needs.
Assist researchers with image analysis.
Support outreach activities in the microscopy facility.