We are seeking an Advanced Microscopy Scientist to carry out a research project on developing novel Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) based approach for profiling spatial distribution, binding kinetics, and transport dynamics in relevant biology. The applicant will closely collaborate with the Oxford-ZEISS Centre of Excellence (Oxford-ZEISS CoE) team and ZEISS Research and Development to explore cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy platforms to establish a novel quantitative pipeline for drug screening and kinetical studies. The applicant will also help to co-manage Oxford-ZEISS CoE as a maternity cover for the duration of the cover period. The covering duties will include assisting with user guidance and training for advanced imaging platforms such as lattice light sheet microscopy ZEISS LLSM7 and ZEISS Elyra 7 structural illumination microscope.
In this role you will be responsible for carrying out a development project on advancing the usage of FCS for various biological applications such as spatial distribution profiling, binding kinetics, and transport dynamics. You will explore and compare strengths and weaknesses of various microscopy techniques for FCS application and performed detailed study of their performances and you will be encouraged to generate your own research directions withing the project framework. You will co-manage the Oxford-ZEISS CoE Microscopy Facility to ensure that it stays at the forefront of imaging in biology. You will maintain knowledge of current developments in the field of advanced microscopy by teaming up with facility users to explore the limits of the available imaging equipment. You will be responsible for advising users of the facility on experimental design, using novel methodologies, to fully leverage the strengths of the microscopy and image analysis technologies available, as well as be responsible for demonstrations to users in the optimal use of the advanced equipment.
You must hold a PhD in any of the disciplines of the physical and life sciences together with significant experience in management of a microscopy facility. You must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with DPhil students, postdoctoral scientists, and PIs and have evidence of organising and demonstrating on microscopy courses. You will have extensive expertise in the use of laser scanning confocal, TIRF, airyscan, light-sheet, and super-resolution microscopies with a specialism in advanced lifetime microscopy techniques such as FCS and FLIM. Experience with fluorescence labelling with proteins, snap-/halo- tags, dyes, quantum dots and arivis, imaris, imagej analysis expertise are desirable.
This is a fixed-term, full-time, maternity cover position for 12 months, or until 31st January 2026.
Due to the nature of the research at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, this job will require additional security pre-employment checks:
• A satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service check
The closing date for this position is 12 noon on 3rd December 2024. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.