Researcher - university imaging center
Location
Minnesota | United States
Job description
Job ID: 359711
About the Job Summary of Position
This is a skilled Researcher 6
position whose expertise will be used to lead the services and training for the electron microscopy (EM) services and act as manager for the
Snyder Hall location of the University Imaging Centers (UIC). This role will expand scholarship and research by interacting and
contributing directly to the UMN scientific community, including publications, conference organization and presentations, expert panels,
etc. while overseeing transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) instruments and services. This position will coordinate
our serial block-face SEM (SBFSEM) partnership with the Mayo Clinic for structural analysis of biological sample's molecular organization in
the context of the tissues. The position will be responsible for managing and performing complex sample preparation bench work including
fixations, embedding, sectioning, staining, mounting and coating, labeling, and electron and optical imaging protocols. As the field is
evolving, the position will be expected to advance with the technology, including learning new protocols and instrumentation.
The
position involves performing complex research-related assignments/problems and requires a working knowledge of aspects of the biology
imaging fields and scholarly activities in partnership with the clients. This team member will lead the UIC EM group and manage UIC staff
and students at the Snyder Hall location. Aspects of the job will require independent and timely accomplishment of services. Will act as an
informational and training resource for internal and external colleagues with less experience. Will act as a liaison with other shared
research facilities.
About the Job
We are seeking a service-oriented scholarly candidate with excellent interpersonal,
organizational, and communication skills who enjoys advancing biomedical research efforts and investigators. This includes being responsive
and respectful to differing customer needs. Suggesting and acting on ideas to improve procedures and technology while respecting
confidentiality are key aspects of the job.
The successful candidate should be prepared to work in a dynamic multi-user environment
operated under the following mission statement:
Maximize the availability of the imaging technologies and methodologies in the Snyder
Hall location of the UIC to faculty, staff, students, and external users by:
A. Bringing expertise in new EM technologies to users
B.
Educating the University community about EM technologies through training, workshop organization, invited presentations, and
demonstrations.
C. Promoting interaction of the UIC with the Characterization Facility at the University of Minnesota and the
broader technology community.
D. Promoting UIC efforts on social media and other outreach opportunities.
Job Duties
The
position will require working as UIC EM Leader and supporting the technical staff and operations of the EM efforts UIC Snyder Hall efforts
including:
* Researcher/Customer collaborations including consultation, project design, and implementation
* Sample preparation for
multiple EM platforms including but not limited to: TEM, SEM, and SBFSEM
* Serves as laboratory expert and main resource in applications
and sample preparation related to electron microscopy
* Works independently coordinating project in the daily operation of the UIC's EM
laboratory
* Participating in data acquisition (pre- and post-analysis), method development, instrument performance, and method
validation of technologies associated with and surrounding EM efforts
* Maintaining laboratory records and project tracking associated
with EM operations
* Working to document, troubleshoot, and improve advanced protocols for EM
* Responsibility for reagent inventory,
supply ordering, and instrument maintenance, including working with vendor partners
* Communication with clients on operations and
results.
(60%) Maintain and assure performance of UIC's EM laboratory operations, including project intake, sample preparation, and
data collection. Evaluate results for accuracy and appropriate intervention. Act as a UIC resource for the correlation of data based on
application knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting results. Determine and document appropriate actions to recheck
abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results. Directly communicate results to UIC supervisors and clients and acquire information necessary
to optimize results. Solve problems through deep technical know-how and imaginative workarounds.
(15%) Provide training and/or
collaboration-based services with users: Formal and on-demand training in the proper use of imaging systems and the use of image-processing
and data analysis and interpretation, statistical analysis, and reagents for applications.
(10%) Create and document procedures
related to routine operations and maintenance of facilities.
(10%) Coordinate UIC operations and services, including supervising UIC
students/staff in Snyder Hall, and coordinating with other UIC services.
(5%) Coordinate UIC with the Characterization Facility and
other shared research facilities on campus
Supervision
* Supervise UIC students/staff in Snyder Hall and will report to Asst. UIC
Director
* May be assigned these responsibilities: mentor/coach or provide guidance; lead project teams, committees, and/or other
collaborative efforts; interview applicants; assign, schedule, and/or direct work, and/or evaluate the work of colleagues and/or
co-workers.
* May have authority to supervise student
employees.
Qualifications Qualifications:
Required:
* PhD and 5 or more years of related experience
or a combination of education and work experience to equal ten (10) years.
Preferred:
* Five-plus years of experience in
transmission, scanning, and serial block-face electron microscopy is required.
* Experience in widefield optical, including confocal
microscopy is a plus.
* Experience in understanding and performing complex laboratory procedures involving electron microscopy.
*
Supervisory experience in a shared research laboratory environment is a plus
* Diverse experience with precious samples from a multitude
of predominantly biological samples and relevant sample preparations.
* Project management/tracking of samples.
* Expertise with
software for image acquisition processing and analysis solutions.
Benefits Working at the
University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are
interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life
outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays,
and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
Regents Scholarship
- Low-cost medical,
dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer
contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial
counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding
benefits.
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please
click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and
attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page
and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
This position will remain open until filled.
To
request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail
[email protected] or call (612)
624-8647.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in
enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and
retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in
its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status,
disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about
diversity at the U:
Employment
Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is
that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.
About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate,
graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most
vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with
world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service
organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well
as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019,
2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
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