Optical Microscopy Core Scientist

Position Highlights

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.

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!

• Provide thorough training to users (undergraduates, grad 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 be added to this pleas.
• Assist users in optimizing routine microscopy procedures for individual research projects.
• Provide applications 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.

• 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.

• Manage the core’s instance of the iLab core facility management software.
• With direct guidance 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.

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

• 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.
• Ability to be comfortable with troubleshooting and problem‑solving.
• Strong computer skills.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.

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

$53,039–$66,299 (full‑time salary at 1.0 FTE)

Full benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid leave, tuition reduction, and recreational activities.

Doug Cromey – optical imaging