Imaging Specialist

The Imaging Specialist will report to the Director of Imaging Services within the Division of Research. Responsibilities include providing technical support and training on the use of a variety of instruments in the MBL’s Central Microscopy Facility (CMF), including training in specimen preparation and image acquisition, processing, and analysis. The Imaging Specialist will similarly assist with managing use of vendor instruments by Advanced Research Training Courses and Resident and Visiting Researchers in the Division of Research.

MAJOR DUTIES:   

• Has primary responsibility to support the management and use of vendor instruments during the summer Advanced Research Training Courses, including managing use by Resident and Visiting Researchers.
• Assists course students and faculty to design and conduct imaging experiments from sample preparation to image analysis, troubleshoot microscope problems, and provide instrument training for teaching assistants and course participants.
• Interacts with the Division of Education to facilitate and organize care and use of vendor instruments.
• Assists the CMF in training researchers in basic and advanced microscopy techniques.
• Provides training and oversight of microscopes in the CMF year-round under the direction of the Director of the facility.
• Helps develop operating procedures as needed for instruments and the CMF.
• Assists and collaborates with the CMF team to help researchers design imaging goals.
• Contributes to developing and facilitating microscopy courses, lectures, tours, and workshops year-round at the MBL.  
• Supports the goals and implementation plans of the MBL leadership related to the Director’s Imaging Innovation Initiative.
• Performs other duties as required and/or assigned.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Must have strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Must have hands-on experience and demonstrated ability to work with microscopes. Must have strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to communicate complex technical information to students and researchers from various backgrounds, career stages and areas of expertise as a service-oriented team player. Proficiency with standard software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, diverse image analysis and data management programs.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:    

A BA/BS degree in Biology or related field is required. Prior hands-on experience with advanced imaging (such as CLSM, TEM, SEM, LSFM, etc.) and sample preparation is essential. Experience with image analysis programs strongly desired. Evidence of training in basic and advanced microscopy required. Knowledge of programming languages such as Python and MATLAB desired. Microscopy education is a particular emphasis of this position, so the candidate should be passionate about teaching microscopy and developing educational resources at the MBL and beyond. Must be able to work flexible hours within reason.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to standing for extended periods and walking, lifting and carrying, pushing and pulling, bending/kneeling, repetitive motions such as typing, operating instruments, using microscopes, computers or accessory devices, handling materials, sorting/stocking, dexterity and hand-eye coordination, exposure to chemicals