Advanced Imaging Specialist – Department of Metabolism & Systems Science – Grade 7

Job title:

Advanced Imaging Specialist – Department of Metabolism & Systems Science – Grade 7

Company

University of Birmingham

Job description

Job DescriptionPosition DetailsDepartment of Metabolism & Systems Science, College of Medicine and HealthLocation: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UKFull time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874Grade: 7Full Time, PermanentClosing date: 6th January 2025Interviews will be held on 24th January 2025 – Shortlisted candidates will be asked to deliver a ten minute presentation with the title ‘My current/previous research and how I would fit into the role.’Previous applicants need not re-applyBackgroundThe post will be in the Advanced Imaging Facility of the Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), part of the College of Medicine and Health Technology Hub. The COMPARE Advanced Imaging Facility offers access to state-of-the-art microscopy techniques covering several scales and modalities, from single-molecule microscopy to imaging of large cleared samples, on a mix of commercial, custom and experimental set-ups. The Facility hosts 9 state-of-the art fluorescence microscopes plus access to several custom experimental set-ups. It provides comprehensive training and support to a large base of internal and external users, including sample preparation advice, courses and bespoke training, guided microscopy and image analysis sessions, custom image analysis and advice on grant applications.Role summaryWe are seeking a highly motivated Advanced Imaging Specialist to join our vibrant, multidisciplinary team at the Advanced Imaging Facility of the Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham (UK). COMPARE is a joint multidisciplinary Research Centre of the Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham that brings together world-leading experts in microscopy, biophysics and computer science to investigate the fundamental mechanisms of receptor signalling in physiology and disease. Our Advanced Microscopy Facility hosts 9 state-of-the art fluorescence microscopes (lattice light sheet, Marianas diSPIM, Ultramicroscope II, Nikon N-STORM, 4-camera TIRF, ultrafast FRET/calcium imaging, Nikon N-SIM, ONI Nanoimager) plus several custom experimental set-ups.The Advanced Imaging Specialist is a key role in COMPARE, taking responsibility for the management and day-to-day running of the Advanced Microscopy Facility, ensuring maintenance of the equipment and providing training and support to a wide user base. Working with the COMPARE Image Analysis Specialist, they provide comprehensive advice on experimental design, image acquisition and data analysis. They will be the lead microscopist in COMPARE which covers >£4m of specialist light microscopes, many of which are highly innovative and require specialist knowledge of microscopy hardware and image analysis algorithms.Successful candidates should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Biology, Biophysics, Optical Engineering, or related field. They will have a firm background in cell biology and fluorescence microscopy, expert knowledge of the most common fluorescence microscopy techniques and hands-on experience on imaging biological samples along with expertise in image processing and analysis (ImageJ, Arivis, MATLAB, Python, etc). Previous experience with running and/or working in a multiuser fluorescence microscopy facility is strongly preferred. Excellent organisational and communication skills, the ability to work as part of a team and a willingness to help users are essential.Main DutiesThe responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Maintain the microscopes in the COMPARE Advanced Microscopy Facility.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for use of the range of specialist microscopes, including advising graduate students, postdoctoral and PIs on the right microscope for each purpose
• Training of all individuals who wish to use the microscopes
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding for further specialist microscopes
• Analyse and interpret data from the advanced microscopes
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding into the organisation of membrane proteins
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars both internally and externally
• Provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from the use of the microscopes to achieve full cost recovery in five years
• Contribute to COMPARE research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Further particulars can be found hereInformal enquiries to Professor Davide Calebiro D.Calebiro@bham.ac.uk or Dr Adriana Flores-Langarica A.FloresLangarica@bham.ac.ukView our staff values and behaviours hereWe believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.

Expected salary

£35880 – 45163 per year

Location

Birmingham

Job date

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:48:23 GMT

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