Optical Microscopy Core Scientist

Optical Microscopy Core Scientist I

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—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.

University of Arizona core facilities provide users with access to the latest instrumentation and experienced staff with expertise in designing and conducting experiments and analyzing data.

Benefits:
Health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to recreation and cultural activities; and more.

Training and Service – Following established guidelines:

• Provide thorough training to users (undergraduates, graduate students, post‑docs, faculty research staff) in basic microscopy theory, the practical operation of selected equipment, fundamentals of image acquisition and analysis, and facility policies.
• Provide as‑needed assistance to users on selected, standard equipment and processes.
• Assist users in optimizing routine microscopy procedures for individual research projects.
• Provide application support on core facility equipment, technologies, and software.
• As needed, carry out routine research experiments with/for researchers using light microscopy (assisted use).
• Communicate with users as needed on scheduling, routine service, training.
• Under guidance, help prepare, review and revise written training materials, policies, and protocols.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance – Following established guidelines:

• Troubleshoot routine equipment/software issues, liaising with support engineers where needed.
• Monitor routine equipment performance, ensuring optimal function and implementing improvements.
• 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 reports for scheduling, resource management, budgets, inventory, and financial records.
• Maintain accurate records including quality control and user training logs.
• Comply with safety regulations, inspections & audits.

Other Duties:

• Plan and prioritize work, instrument/facility maintenance and facility scheduling.
• Maintain professional development and awareness of emerging technologies.
• Undertake other duties as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a service‑orientated environment.
• Strong familiarity with at least one type of light microscopy.
• Ability to be flexible and willing to learn new technologies.
• Self‑motivated and able to work under intermittent supervision, while also working as a team member.
• Comfortable with troubleshooting and problem‑solving.
• Strong computer skills.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.

• Bachelor's degree in biological, chemical or physical sciences, engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 1 year working within a biomedical or microscopy‑related research laboratory.

• Graduate degree in biological, chemical or physical sciences, engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience with light microscopy.
• Experience with training people on equipment or experimental protocols.

Doug Cromey: opticalimaging

Individuals with more experience may wish to look at the Optical Microscopy Core Scientist II position for the ORP Imaging Cores – Optical, posted at the same time.
Optical Microscopy Core Scientist II Req
25128