JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title:                                             Super-Resolution Microscopy Technician

Institute:                                               National Heart and Lung Institute

Section:                                                 Facility for Imaging by Light Microscopy [FILM]

Job Family and Level:                          Technical Services, Level 3a

Salary Range:                                       £28,770 - £32,750 per annum

Responsible To:                                   Stephen Rothery (FILM Super-Resolution Specialist)

Works closely with:                              Martin Spitaler (FILM Facility Manager) Mark Scott (FILM staff)

Working Relationships:                       Martin Spitaler (FILM Facility Manager) Mark Scott (FILM staff) Professor Tony Magee (FILM Academic Lead), BSS users 

Location:                                               South Kensington

Funding:                                                Biotechnology and Biological Services Research Council

Duration:                                               Fixed-term for 12 months

Summary of Post

This post involves setup, maintenance and user support for a state-of-the art super-resolution microscope and requires a high standard of technical expertise in the area of super-resolution microscopy. You will have responsibility for the day-to-day co-ordination, running and maintenance of the super-resolution microscope.

A second element of the post will be support in data handling and processing, which will comprise optimising and implementing algorithms, and liaison with the Bioinformatics Support Service (BSS) to develop an integrated data workflow including data acquisition software, image database, central processing via established software tools (commercial and open source) etc. This will require automation of workflows through scripting. Expertise in computer programming will be essential.

Duties and Responsibilities

·         Provide up-to-date technical expertise for the setup, optimisation and routine use of a new state-of-the-art super-resolution microscope

·         Perform routine checks, maintenance and protocol optimisation for super-resolution microscopy

·         Liaise with the manufacturers of the microscope to solve any technical problems

·         Give users advice, training and support to a very high standard in all aspects of super-resolution microscopy, from sample preparation to labelling strategies, image acquisition, data processing, interpretation, visualisation and quantification

·         Help with general duties in the FILM microscopy facilities, also related to other microscopes

·         Coordinate and oversee booking and training of facility users

·         Ensure that all work done in the laboratory complies with the applicable regulations concerning biological and laser safety

·         Liaise with BSS to set up a fully integrated data workflow, including data safety and efficient processing

·         Use existing software and develop purpose-built scripts to automate large-scale super-resolution data processing and analysis

·         Liaise with manufacturers of commercial tools and authors of established open-source algorithms to integrate them in the data handling workflow

·         Contribute to presentations and public education events related to super-resolution microscopy

·         Effective liaison with other members of the FILM team

·         Any other duties which may arise in the facility commensurate with the grade of the post

To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data Protection, Equal Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and supervisors), Information Technology, Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and Smoking.

To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page (http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).

Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.

Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in its Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

Essential

·         Bachelor Degree in a technical or biological area related to super-resolution microscopy, or equivalent vocational qualification or equivalent experience in knowledge and experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

·         Proven experience in localisation (PALM / STORM) and / or structured illumination (SIM) super-resolution microscopy

·         Experience with image data handling and processing, e.g. FIJI / ImageJ, QuickPALM, RapidSTORM, RainSTORM, OMERO

·         Experience in computer programming or scripting, e.g. Java, Python, Matlab

Desirable

·         Experience in supporting and training microscope users

·         Experience in setup and optimisation of super-resolution microscopes and application protocols

Skills and Abilities

Essential

·         Excellent super-resolution microscopy skills

·         Excellent computer skills

·         Excellent organisational skills

·         Excellent attention to detail

·         Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills, and an ambition to run the facility service for the best benefit of microscope users

·         Excellent written and oral communication skills

·         Proven skills at problem-solving and overcoming obstacles

·         Ability to use own initiative and work independently and as part of a team, as required

·         Proven ability to prioritise, plan ahead and manage a high volume of work to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed, and ensure that the facility runs in an efficient and timely manner

·         Ability and willingness to adapt to changing timetables or work patterns as dictated by changing circumstances

·         Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high degree of accuracy

Other

Essential

·         An open, flexible and positive approach to working in a constantly changing environment

·         Prepared to work unsociable hours as work demands from time to time