Light Microscopy Core position, Whitehead Institute, USA

The W.M. Keck Facility for Biological Imaging at Whitehead is excited to recruit a new member of our light microscopy team.  The Technical Assistant will serve a critical role by maintaining equipment and providing training, usage and image analysis support to researchers using the Keck Facility.  This is a great opportunity for someone interested in light microscopes, teaching and core facility work.  We invite applications with junior or mid-level experience.

The Keck Facility is a light microscopy core facility that provides state-of-the-art light microscopy equipment and expertise to enable the diverse and dynamic research at the Whitehead Institute, MIT and the surrounding biomedical research institutions. We house a range of turn-key instruments to assist with imaging a broad range of samples–from bacteria to brains, biochemistry to organoids and organs.  In addition, we provide microscopy education opportunities for our research community.

Classification: Exempt, Full Time

Reports To:     Microscopy Facility Manager

Overall Responsibility

The Technical Assistant assists the Keck Facility manager in core facility operations including training of users (grad students, post docs, faculty and research staff), maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment and affiliated software and peripherals, creating accounts, inventory and ordering of supplies, and basic image analysis assistance.  The Technical Assistant will perform all duties in accordance with Whitehead Institute’s behavioral standards, mission, values, and vision.

Characteristic Duties

• Provide weekly and regular maintenance of equipment.
• Provide thorough training to users (grad students, post docs, faculty research staff) in basic microscopy theory, practical operation of equipment, fundamentals of image analysis and facility policies.
• Provide as-needed assistance to users.
• Maintain records of use, training and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure timely backup of essential data.
• Maintain proper inventory and order supplies.
• Work with Keck manager to perform as-needed equipment troubleshooting and maintenance and facilitate service and repair.
• Assist in demos and facility tours as needed.
• Help prepare, review and revise written training materials, policies and protocols.
• Remain current with trends, equipment and software in the field through reading, attending seminars, trade shows and visits to other core facilities. May attend and participate in one related national professional conference on an annual basis.
• Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters, or equivalent experience, in biological, chemical or physical sciences, engineering or a related discipline.
• Have worked on at least one project using light microscopy
• At least 2 years working within a biomedical- or microscopy-related research laboratory.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the desire to work in a service-orientated environment.
• Strong computer and record keeping skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Interest in teaching and collaboration.
• Ability to exercise judgment within defined practices and techniques.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Ability to work independently under deadlines with minimal guidance while also working as a team member.
• Ability to be on-time for scheduled appointments and adapt to unscheduled requests.

Preferred Experience (1 or more)

• 2-7 years laboratory research experience with at least 2 of those years working with light microscopy.
• Image analysis and programing experience highly desired.
• Experience in multiple lab techniques (>1) and principles of cell biology.
• Experience with training people on equipment or in a technique.
• Experience with Metamorph, Zeiss ZEN and Fiji/ImageJ software programs.

Cover letter required.  Salary commensurate with experience.

For additional information please check the job offer.