Imaging Scientist

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Harvard Center for Biological Imaging (HCBI) seeks a full-time Imaging Scientist (light microscopy) to assist with operations in one of the world’s premier light microscopy facilities. The HCBI currently supports 29 microscopes and sample preparation instruments and extensive data storage and analysis infrastructure. This position supports equipment at multiple Harvard campus sites, including the HCBI Main Lab, Live Cell Imaging Core, and the Cryo-EM Center in Cambridge, and the Optical Imaging Core in Allston. Nearly 800 users from Harvard, local research hospitals, other academic institutions and industry use the facility and praise its "Evergreen" nature whereby most equipment is replaced every three years through leasing agreements with vendors. This program ensures users always have access to cutting-edge instruments including confocal, multi-photon, super-resolution (lattice SIM, 3D SMLM, ISM), lightsheet, TIRF, whole slide scanning, high content screening, live cell imaging, macroscopy, laser microdissection, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), vitrification, cryo-EM and tissue clearing. This position will primarily support light microscopy and sample preparation equipment.
The Imaging Scientist will serve as an advisor to HCBI users regarding experimental design and image analysis, a primary contact for new user training for both basic and advanced light microscopy techniques, and a point of contact for questions arising from the use of HCBI imaging systems. The Imaging Specialist will assist with ongoing maintenance, upgrades, repairs and customizations of microscopes, in addition to performing monitoring and troubleshooting (of software and hardware) and serving as a biological safety officer. The Imaging Scientist will be a key member of the HCBI’s educational team and will participate in teaching activities at Lunch and Learn lectures and specialized microscopy workshops.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience; OR A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• A curiosity driven desire for scientific knowledge
• A commitment to continuous microscope skill development
• A strong desire to help other researchers achieve their scientific goals
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in the English language
• An MA or PhD in STEM is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute a range of complex scientific research activities in a core facility including planning and optimizing research, designing analysis algorithms, and providing training to researchers.
• Serve as an advisor to HCBI users regarding experimental design and image analysis.
• Act as a primary contact for new user training for both basic and advanced light microscopy techniques.
• Serve as a point of contact for questions arising from the use of HCBI imaging systems.
• Assist with ongoing maintenance, upgrades, repairs and customizations of microscopes.
• Perform monitoring and troubleshooting (of software and hardware).
• Serve as a biological safety officer.
• Participate in teaching activities at Lunch and Learn lectures and specialized microscopy workshops.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level