Engineer in Advanced Optical/Light Microscopy – EMBL Imaging Centre

Engineer in Advanced Optical/Light Microscopy – EMBL Imaging Centre

Organization: EMBL Imaging Centre

We are seeking a highly motivated and interdisciplinary scientist to join the EMBL Imaging Centre (EMBL IC) team. Due to rapid developments in new imaging technologies, the pace of biological and medical discoveries has increased at an unprecedented speed in the 21st century. For the first time, high-resolution electron and light microscopy technologies enable us to directly visualise the molecular machinery of life under native conditions. Consequently, cutting-edge microscopy is becoming a central technological platform for the life sciences. Currently, few scientists have access to the latest imaging technologies, as the instruments are complex in their development, set-up, maintenance, and usage. EMBL is currently constructing the EMBL Imaging Centre to make the latest imaging technologies available as quickly as possible to a broad, international user community of researchers from academia to industry. A broad spectrum of imaging technologies covering the scales from structure determination of single protein complexes to imaging whole organisms will be offered, with a special emphasis on cross modality capabilities (correlative microscopy) and bespoke user project support from sample preparation to image analysis provided by dedicated expert service staff. The successful applicant will be part of the EMBL IC Advanced Light Microscopy Team comprising microscopy engineers, application specialists, and image analysts, who work in close collaboration with the Electron Microscopy Team. Both teams have the mission of highest-level user service provision and technology development to continuously improve the services. Advanced and mostly pre-commercial light microscopy technologies will cover all scales from the latest (cryo-) super-resolution technologies to intravital and deep tissue imaging.

Your role

The successful candidate will set up, test, run, maintain, and adapt novel and custom advanced light microscopy systems for specific life science applications and imaging conditions in close collaboration with microscope developers and optical engineers from EMBL’s research groups and industrial partners. Technologies will include (cryo) super-resolution microscopy, correlative light and electron microscopy, light sheet microscopy, and intravital and deep tissue imaging, as well as novel technologies for sample preparation and screening. Jointly with EMBL IC application specialists, s/he will participate in EMBL IC user support in running advanced light microscopy equipment and development of novel image acquisition schemes and workflows. S/he will participate in the organisation and teaching of courses on light microscopy techniques for the EMBL IC user community. The successful candidate should be able to work creatively and independently, be well organised, rigorous, and enjoy working in an international team within a highly collaborative atmosphere. Before opening of the EMBL IC, the successful candidate will work on selected pilot projects and microscopy technologies integrated into EMBL’s existing research groups and facility service teams.

You have

• PhD in biophysics, physics, engineering, or related disciplines.
• Experience with complex optical set-ups, strong expertise in programming for instrumentation control and automation, and an interest in biological applications of new optical technologies.
• Excellent communication and organisation skills.
• Fluency in English.

You might also have

• Experience in user support in microscopy facilities.

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family-friendly working environment. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational, and other social benefits. Excellent child care facility is available on campus.

What else you need to know

We are Europe’s flagship research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry, and computer science. We are an international, innovative, and interdisciplinary laboratory with more than 1600 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble, and Rome.

Our mission is to offer vital services in training scientists, students, and visitors at all levels; to develop new instruments and methods in the life sciences and actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research.

The working language of the institute is English.

In your online application, you will be asked to include a cover letter, CV, and the contact details of 3 referees.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Stephanie Alexander ( ), project manager of the EMBL IC.

Interviews are planned for 28th November 2019 – 3rd December 2019.

The initial contract is for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term extension.

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