Staff Scientist (Light Microscopy) - Cell Biology

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (WUSM) seeks to recruit an Staff Scientist for the Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI). WUCCI was established in 2015 with the mission to provide an inter-disciplinary research environment to facilitate the use of multi-scale imaging in biomedical research. The center currently houses 25 imaging systems across the optical, electron/ion, x-ray and cryo-electron microscopy domains, along with cell culture, sample preparation and data analysis facilities. In 2023, WUCCI will be opening an additional facility in the new Neuroscience Research Building, which will require an expansion in both equipment and scientific staff. We are recruiting new imaging specialists who will provide expertise in instrument operation, quantitative data analysis, microscopy education, and collaboration with WUCCI users.

For more information please visit https://wucci.wustl.edu/.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Following instructions and discussions with Center Director and Assistant Director, design research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.
• Interact with and advise users of the imaging core on advanced imaging techniques available at the Center and experimental design best suited to their needs.
• Assist users in data analysis software use and processing hardware troubleshooting, as needed.
• Partake in collaborative studies under the supervision of the Center Director and Assistant Director, including experimental design and performance, data analysis, and manuscript authoring.
• Liaise with vendors and company service representatives in organizing learning sessions, instrument demos, software testing, and instrument maintenance and repair.
• Train users of the Center on usage of advanced light microscopy instruments, including widefield fluorescence, confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, lightsheet imaging, multiphoton microscopy, and live cell imaging.
• Provide supervision to undergraduates and serve in a leadership role.
• Provide support for critically complex research and experimentation that allows the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery, serve as a subject matter expert offering support, training and guidance relative to microscopy, and will have opportunities to collaborate on the research developed by Center users.
• Assist Center Director and Assistant Director in authoring the bimonthly newsletter from the Center, organizing monthly journal club, developing educational media (including digital training curricula), and updating Center website as needed.
• Coordinate tissue clearing and expansion microscopy service pipelines, including organizing sample drop-off, performing sample processing, and performing imaging and image processing, where appropriate.
• Assist users during imaging sessions and troubleshoot imaging system issues as they arise.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of post-PhD experience in the use of advanced biomedical optical imaging methodologies.
• The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated through training, education, and collaboration, as well as bringing expertise and passion for optical microscopy instrumentation operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Proficient with quantitative data analysis for optical microscopy datasets, either with commercial (Amira, Imaris, Dragonfly) or open source (Napari, ImageJ) platforms.
• A PhD in cell biology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering or related field is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in project design and execution, communication, and preparing presentations and publications.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree with four years of experience in research lab operations or an equivalent combination of education and experience equaling nine years.

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$46,100.00 - $83,600.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.