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Project Scientist

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Position overview

Position title: Light Microscopy Project Scientist

Position description

The Advanced Light Microscopy/Spectroscopy (ALMS) Laboratories located at the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is looking for a highly motivated Project Scientist with expertise in Light Microscopy and Optics to support research at the forefront of biomolecular characterization. UCLA is ranked among the finest research-intensive universities in the world.
With a strong focus on interdisciplinary work, ALMS has developed an extensive collection of state-of-the-art commercial and custom optical tools based on confocal, multiphoton, super-resolution, fluorescence lifetime imaging and light-sheet microscopies to study macromolecules, cellular dynamics and bio/nano-materials at high spatial and temporal resolution (More information about ALMS can be found at: https://alms.cnsi.ucla.edu/).
The Light Microscopy (LM) Project Scientist will be part of a dynamic team that further develop and drive the dissemination of these techniques through interdisciplinary collaborations across such diverse research fields as molecular, cell and developmental biology, neuroscience, biomechanics, biophysics and chemistry.
The successful candidate will take a lead role in the development and optimization of new and existing super-resolution and high-speed optical methods, in the development of strategies and imaging tools for in vivo imaging and in the optimization and dissemination of computational imaging techniques.
The candidate will spend 50 % time, in tandem with the ALMS in-house research team, on making significant and creative contributions to in-house research, including developing new software, instrumentation, sample preparation and analysis that further existing projects, developing and carrying out relevant experiments; publishing scientific papers, presenting at technical conferences; and filing IP disclosures and seek industrial partnerships.
The LM Project Scientist will devote 50 % time to serve as a technical expert, providing advanced light microscopy training and services to ALMS users. Users will consult with the LM Project Scientist to develop new project feasibility and research plans that maximize the likelihood of success. The LM Project Scientist will continually build community expertise by attending and presenting at scheduled technical research meetings with his research peers to provide consultation on tool usage, experimental design, and data interpretation.
The LM Project Scientist will interface directly with and report to the ALMS director. He will successfully carry out experiments and analyze the data generated with minimal to no supervision. The successful candidate will directly manage a collection of state-of-the-art confocal, super-resolution, multiphoton and light-sheet microscopes. The Project Scientist position is a fully-supported, 12 calendar-month position.

Service Duties and Responsibilities
• Support a broad variety of light microscopy imaging projects
• Support users in the first steps of imaging visualization and analysis
• Provide training in light microscopy, with a particular focus in confocal, super-resolution, deep-tissue imaging and light-sheet microscopy
• Coordinate user requests and services
• Maintain and service the current imaging systems
• Develop, maintain and disseminate updated versions of policies and standard operating procedures
• Prepare summaries and projections used in Facility review; and assist in the preparation/submission of reports
• Track Facility utilization
• Develop and administrate chemical and biosafety protocols
• Participate in events that highlight facilities and research capabilities to promote use by internal and external users

Research Duties and Responsibilities
• Implement and develop new imaging technologies
• Design effective strategies and imaging methods for ALMS researchers
• Produce publication quality images and analyses for ALMS users
• Design experiments and tools to solve scientific projects
• Design and develop software and methods for rapid, automated high-content image analysis on various microscope platforms

Additional Duties and Responsibilities
• Serve as a liaison between ALMS users, faculty, committee members, administration and other external institutions/companies
• Cultivate an inclusive, collegial environment with strong inter-personal communication skills
• Work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively
• Work independently on scientific projects and develop scientific ideas
• Assist with preparation of grant proposals
• Prepare operational reports for use in periodic reviews by internal and external review
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals
• Complete all appropriate safety training as mandated by UCLA Environmental Health & Safety

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. degree, master’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in biophysics, bioengineering, optical engineering or related area
• 2-5 years of relevant work experience in advanced light microscopy in an academic or industrial research environment

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - An EDI Statement describes a faculty candidate’s past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To learn more about how UCLA thinks about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please review our Sample Guidance for Candidates and related EDI Statement FAQ document.

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Contact information only

Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF07366

Help contact: roxanne@cnsi.ucla.edu

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

Job location

Los Angeles, CA