Core Scientist

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Advanced Light Microscope Core is a university-wide shared resource at OHSU, providing researchers with technical expertise in light microscopy project design, instrumentation, and software. Services include consulting on sample preparation and instrument selection, assistance with image data acquisition, training for instrument operation, and support for data analysis workflow development. The Core aims to help researchers execute their microscopy projects effectively and efficiently.

Requirements

PhD in relevant field; OR Master's Degree in relevant field AND 5 years’ experience or core-relevant expertise; OR Bachelor's in relevant field AND 9 years of relevant experience or core-relevant expertise.
Minimally, a Bachelor’s degree is required.
Understands and can explain technically advanced applications in microscopy to investigators.
Communicates with inquiring investigators about capabilities and technical features of all imaging and analysis platforms in the core as they pertain to their experimental goals.
Can evaluate all platforms in the core for suitability to achieve an investigator’s imaging goals.
Can advise users on imaging experiment design with a focus on rigor and reproducibility.
Can provide advice to investigators as it pertains to sample preparation.
Participates in evaluation of new technologies and instruments.
Assumes responsibilities for maintaining and troubleshooting a subset of imaging systems in the core.
Demonstrated skills with the ZEISS ZEN and Arivis software platforms for image data analysis.

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience in a multi-user microscopy core.
Demonstrated experience with intravital imaging.
Demonstrated experience in developing data analysis pipelines based on open-source platforms.
Proficient in operating advanced Nikon microscope setups run under the NIS Elements platform.
Proficient in operating Andor microscope setups run under the Fusion platform.
Proficient in the operation of ZEISS ZEN platform for running LSM 980, LSM 900, Elyra 7, Celldiscoverer 7, and Axioscan 7 instruments.
Proficient with the Imaris and/or Arivis software platforms for multi-dimensional image data analysis.

Responsibilities

Consults with investigators and users on technological aspects of light microscopy experiments, including sample preparation, instrument selection, instrument operation, and data analysis.
Composes follow-up emails summarizing discussions and providing protocols or links to online resources.
Develops workflows and trains users in data analysis on core workstation software platforms.
Provides trainees with access to further training materials or step-by-step instructions for unsupervised replication of workflows.
Develops imaging protocols and trains users in the operation of core equipment, applying and explaining underlying technological principles.
Provides trainees with handouts and step-by-step instructions for unsupervised procedure replication.
Partners with other core staff to perform routine maintenance of shared instruments and workstations.
Assists with troubleshooting instrument operation and oversees service engineers during repairs and installations.
Partners with other core staff to perform slide scanning or other image data acquisition services.
Maintains efficient work practices, follows standard operating procedures, and meets service timelines.
Attends presentations and reads literature to stay current with technological developments in light microscopy.
Assists with instrument evaluation and new service development.
Assists with the development of core-internal training materials and operation manuals.
Partners with other core staff to promote core services through presentations and participation in outreach events.
Lends special technical expertise in light microscopy techniques to investigator projects for defined tasks with set expectations and milestones.