Director, Microscopy Core

Cedars-Sinai•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$92,955 - $176,478

About The Position

The Director for the Microscopy Core will build existing microscopy services into a cutting-edge research core supporting the academic mission of the institution. The Director will report directly to the Scientific Director of the Research Cores. The Director will be responsible for daily core operations and supervising other staff to ensure high-quality, cost-efficient, and timely services are delivered to client CSHSU investigators. The Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cedars‑Sinai is the vibrant hub where basic science and translational research powerfully combine to create solutions for medicine’s most pressing questions. The team works tirelessly and collaborates across disciplines, including immunology, imaging, genomics, neuroscience, cell biology, metabolism, bioinformatics, diagnostics and therapeutics. Cedars-Sinai has been named to the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll for 10 consecutive years and tied for #1 in California and Los Angeles in the 2025-26 rankings. Cedars-Sinai is a major hub for biomedical research, with substantial extramural research funding and a rapidly expanding, vertically integrated health system. We are a national leader in providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare that encompasses primary care as well as specialized medicine and conducting research that leads to lifesaving discoveries and innovations. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching, and community service. Today, Cedars-Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents. At Cedars-Sinai, we are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve.

Requirements

Doctorate with 3 or more years’ experience in biomedical research.
Demonstrated expertise in various modalities of modern microscopy, including image analysis.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated leadership/teaching experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Provides overall management of the microscopy core, including other core personnel.
Oversees the operation, maintenance, calibration, quality control, and lifecycle management of microscopy equipment, ensuring optimal performance, appropriate scheduling, regulatory compliance, and minimal instrument downtime.
Evaluates new imaging technologies and leads negotiations with equipment manufacturers and service providers regarding instrument purchases, service agreements, warranties, upgrades, software licensing, and other vendor contracts.
Provides hands-on scientific and technical leadership for the microscopy core, including operating advanced instruments, developing and validating imaging protocols, and troubleshooting complex applications.
Advises investigators on experimental design and data interpretation to meet research goals.
Consults with investigators on appropriate technologies and applications to include in grant applications and assists in descriptions of approach. If appropriate, may also assume a role of co-investigator on a grant application.
Day-to-day supervision and training of other core personnel, as well as primary responsibility in hiring new personnel when needed.
Responsibility for running the core in a fiscally responsible manner, including annual submission of fiscal year budget request to leadership and ongoing analysis of core utilization, satisfaction, and pricing structure.
Semi-annual reporting to a faculty advisory committee and overall core leadership.
Providing letters of support and facilities description for extramural grant applications as requested.
Establishes a hands-on training program for core users as needed.
Participates in institution-wide or core-specific activities to educate the research community on most recent core capabilities.
Host seminars when appropriate to introduce new modalities to the research community.