Optical Microscopy Core Scientist II

The Office of Research and Partnerships (ORP) Core Facilities at the University of Arizona seeks a Core Scientist to oversee, train, and support a diverse user community-including faculty, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, and occasional external users-of multiple optical microscopes within the ORP Imaging Cores-Optical (ICOP). The Core Scientist will be primarily responsible for facility management, including instrument troubleshooting, user support, and assistance with research activities. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team of instrumentation and subject matter experts dedicated to supporting funded research at the University of Arizona. This role may involve supporting instruments across multiple locations.

The University of Arizona is home to a host of research resources called core facilities or cores-highly specialized testing facilities available for use by faculty, students, and scientists in government and industry. These RII core facilities provide users with access not only to the latest instrumentation but also to experienced staff with expertise in designing and conducting experiments and analyzing data.

Individuals who feel that their level of experience may not fit this posting may wish to look at the Core Scientist I position for the ORP Imaging Cores - Optical.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Training and Service

• Provide thorough training to users (undergraduates, grad students, post-docs, faculty research staff) in basic microscopy theory, the practical operation of equipment, fundamentals of image acquisition and analysis, and facility policies.
• Using general knowledge of subject matter, provide as-needed assistance to users.
• Assist users in optimizing microscopy procedures for individual research projects.
• Provide advanced applications support on all core facility equipment, technologies, and software.
• Guide researchers in experimental design and data analysis related to microscopy techniques.
• As needed, carry out research experiments with/for researchers using light microscopy (assisted use).
• Communicate with users
• Deliver facility-run workshops and suggest process/protocol modifications where relevant.
• Under moderate guidance, help prepare, review and revise written training materials, policies, and protocols.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance

• Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment/software issues, liaising with support engineers where needed.
• Monitor and assess equipment performance, ensuring optimal function and implementing improvements.
• Maintain quality control procedures and ensure laboratory environment is safe, clean, and fit for purpose.
• Manage lab resources, consumables, and budgeted orders.

Administration

• Manage the core's instance of the iLab core facility management software.
• Provide support and (as needed) reports for scheduling, resource management, budgets, inventory, and financial records.
• Maintain accurate records including quality control and user training logs.
• Compliance with appropriate safety (chemical, biosafety, laser) regulations, inspections & audits.

Other Duties

• Plan and prioritize own work, instrument/facility maintenance and facility scheduling (short- and long-term).
• Maintain professional development and awareness of emerging technologies.
• Undertake other duties as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the desire to work in a service-orientated environment.
• Strong familiarity with at least several types of light microscopy.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal guidance while also working as a team member.
• Comfortable with troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Computer literate with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve IT or software issues on equipment.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in teaching and collaboration.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelors degree in biological, chemical or physical sciences, engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience required.
• 3 years working within a biomedical or microscopy-related research laboratory.

• Graduate degree in biological, chemical or physical sciences, engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 3 years of experience with light microscopy
• Previous experience in a core facility or similar environment.