Perform basic and highly complex imaging processes for a large array of biomedical research. Lead imaging design for research projects and perform imaging and analysis for broad range of investigations. Train researchers to independently operate advanced light microscopy instrumentation. Exercise discretion and independent judgment to develop imaging approaches, including modification of existing methods and procedures to meet the investigation requirements consistent with imaging modalities. Work with a variety of CISR users to provide microscopy expertise and to educate them on microscope operation.
About Department/Shared Resource:
The Cell Imaging Shared Resource (CISR) is an institutional, fee-for-service, advanced microscopy resource. The CISR provides researchers with access to state-of-the-art imaging equipment and expert technical support for sophisticated microscopy and analysis of tissue and cellular anatomy and physiology. Currently, the CISR independently manages 16 advanced optical microscopes, one transmission electron microscope and one environmental scanning electron microscope. All are fully operational and in excellent working condition. These instruments and the array of advanced capabilities offered by them are available to support any investigator with an appointment at Vanderbilt University or Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The CISR consists of five separate suites within Vanderbilt University. The overall philosophy of the resource has been to place instrumentation in several consolidated locations rather than a single central location. This helps maximize use of the instrumentation. All five locations for CISR equipment are within easy walking distance, so staff can move easily between instruments as needed.
The CISR consists of 11 full- and part-time faculty/staff who work together with each other and with Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers to provide imaging consultation, analysis consultation, microscope training, imaging for hire, and EM sample preparation.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Management of light microscopy (Nikon) equipment
1a. Administration – Oversee daily organization and use of the CISR Nikon COE (CISR/NCOE). Train VU/VUMC CISR users to operate numerous advanced research microscopes and digital imaging systems, including image analysis and processing systems. Provide daily assistance and troubleshooting to CISR/NCOE users and be available to users during workday imaging hours. As arises, oversee installation and daily organization of new Nikon equipment.
1b. Communicate with Nikon – Maintain relationship with Nikon partners to ensure Nikon assistance in troubleshooting, repair, and new instrumentation assistance. Serve as a liaison between CISR users and Nikon to accomplish imaging and analysis goals of the researchers.
2. Training, Process Development, and Documentation
2a. Instrument Use – Train VU/VUMC CISR users to operate numerous advanced research microscopes and digital imaging systems, including image analysis and processing systems in the CISR.
2b. Protocol Development – Participate in data collection, evaluation, and analysis of basic and complex imaging processes used in a large array of biomedical research. Maintain up-to-date manuals, quick guides and application notes, including advanced techniques, (e.g. intravital imaging, super-resolution microscopy, live cell imaging, FRET, FRAP, TIRF) for a variety of CISR microscopes.
2c. Education – Prepare and update microscope training materials (written, online, videos), so as to elevate the training procedures of the CISR.
2d. Quality Control - Ensure routine instrument calibration, diagnostics, troubleshooting and equipment service for a subset of CISR microscopes. Ensure consistent implementation of instrument performance standards.
2e. Facility Operation – Maintain electronic and paper files, including documentation for operating procedures, training, and instrument manuals. Conduct literature searches for Core bibliography collection and maintenance.
3. Research Support
3a. Technical Guidance - Provide technical assistance to students, post-docs, faculty and others as needed to perform imaging-related experiments, including configuration and operation of optical imaging equipment. Provide instruction in scientific data collection and analyses to enable accurate interpretation of image data. Exercise discretion and independent judgment to develop or modify existing imaging methods and procedures to meet the investigation requirements.
3b. Research Collaboration - Contribute to research of published work. Assist researchers to design experiments and procedures, supervise data collection and analysis, perform collaborative and independent investigation, and generally contribute to research with the goal of supporting publication and grant support.
4. Core Administration Support
4a. Center Support Grants – Assist Managing Director and other CISR faculty/staff with annual reports and competing renewal narratives related to institutional research centers that provide CISR support.
4b. Instrumentation and other Grants – Assist Managing Director and other CISR faculty/staff in preparation of CISR-relevant grant applications, e.g. S10, and contract proposals to support the general goals of the CISR.
4c. Assist Managing Director and other CISR faculty/staff with administrative tasks such as organizing and advertising CISR workshops, ordering lab supplies, and generating usage reports.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Managing Director of the Cell Imaging Shared Resource (CISR).
Education and Certifications:
PhD in biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, physics, or similar is necessary.Experience and Skills:
At least five years of research laboratory and/or shared resource/core experience is necessary. Light Microscopy and Fluorescence Microscopy skills are necessary. Shared Resource/Core experience is necessary. Experience with Nikon instruments and Nikon Elements analysis software is strongly preferred.Success Characteristics:
Communication – Asks questions and listens actively. Shares information and transmits knowledge. Asks for advice. willing to have crucial conversations if things are not going well. Teamwork – Values teamwork and co-workers; makes others feel valuable and important by acknowledging what they do. Does not expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves. Find ways to complement other’s strong suits. Raises the Bar – Expects and delivers excellence. Is a creative problem-solver. Is proactive. Welcomes input on making things better. Places a high value on learning and getting better. Hard-Working – Is industrious as well as efficient. Be persistent. Can juggle multiple competing priorities simultaneously. Eager – Enthusiastic, wanting to learn, wanting to continue one’s personal and professional development and expertise.