(Senior) Laboratory Research Scientist - Senior Microscopist – CALM STP
Reports to: Head of CALM
This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick Terms and Conditions of Employment.
This role is advertised as a (Senior) Laboratory Research Scientist to encourage candidates having a broad range of experience to apply. We will appoint at the appropriate level depending on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.
SUMMARY
The Senior Microscopist will work within the Crick Advanced Light Microscopy Science and Technology Platform (CALM-STP) to support the imaging needs of research scientists at the Francis Crick Institute. They will join a large team with in-depth knowledge of microscopy and work closely with Crick scientists to support their research projects.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Imaging is a cornerstone technology underpinning science at the Crick. Within the CALM-STP we support imaging across a range of samples, from 2D and 3D cell culture models through to model organisms including zebrafish, fruit flies, and nematodes. This includes both live imaging of fluorescent-proteins and imaging of fixed, antibody-stained samples. To meet this challenge we now seek a Senior Microscopist to join a large and knowledgeable team supporting Crick Research Groups in the investigation of a wide range of exciting scientific questions. Imaging methods used and/or developed within the facility include: wide-field bright-field and fluorescence microscopy (including long-term live cell time-lapse imaging), image deconvolution, point-scanning confocal and mulitphoton microscopy, array-scanning microscopy, TIRF, FRET, FLIM, and super-resolution microscopy (SMLM, AiryScan, SoRa, iSIM).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The core responsibilities for this role are to support and develop advanced methods in light microscopy. Work will be balanced between supporting Crick researchers in the use of existing methods and the development of ‘low hanging’ technologies of immediate relevance to Crick science. The Senior Microscopist will advise Crick researchers on the use of microscopy in their work, including experimental design, approaches to imaging both living and fixed specimens, development of protocols, and assistance with the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. Finally, the Senior Microscopist will assist with frequent demos of commercial equipment to support procurement of imaging equipment for both the core facility and the institute as a whole.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Train and assist Crick scientists in the use of advanced imaging methods
Adapt and develop imaging technologies to serve Crick science
Ensure that microscopes are well maintained at all times
Engage with engineers to troubleshoot and facilitate equipment repairs
Assist Crick researchers with experimental design, execution, and analysis
Contribute to the organisation and development of a world-class microscopy facility
KEY EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: Bold, Open, Collegial, in addition to the following:
Essential
Enthusiasm for science and imaging
A degree in a physical or life science
Experience with the quantitative use of light microscopy
Experience with alignment, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of imaging equipment
Experience with microscopy development (hardware, optics, electronics, methods…)
Programming experience
Patience, humour, and the ability to be authoritative while being pleasant
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey complex technical information to both experts and non-experts
Ability to work effectively independently or within a team, as required
Ability to prioritise work and manage multiple tasks
Desirable
Experience with advanced imaging techniques such as: non-linear microscopy, lightsheet microscopy, FRET, FLIM, correlative imaging, highly multiplexed imaging, or spatial-omics
Background in sample preparation for fluorescence microscopy, including sample clearing and/or expansion microscopy
Experience with electronics, including Arduino or Raspberry Pi
Please note: all offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
