Center for Cell Ultrastructure & Morphology, Director

Position Summary:Responsible for managing the operations of the Microscopy Facility, this includes the daily operations of the Electron Microscopy and Light Microscopy, and the Histology Laboratories.
Independently manage two state-of-the-art, multi-user microscopy operations (I) an Electron Microscopy Laboratory, and (II) a Light Microscopy Laboratory (confocal microscopes and a Laser capture Micro dissection system). This position is directly responsible for: 1) overseeing the daily operation of the Electron Microscopy Service, including tasking EM Technologist(s) (or others) with specific projects or tasks; 2) maintenance of the EM Lab, the electron microscopes, troubleshooting problems and arranging for service or providing solutions to assure instrument integrity; 3) carrying out all forms of sample preparation; 4) organize scheduling and provide training in the operation of: the electron microscopes, confocal microscopes, and laser capture micro dissection system to TSRI personnel, as needed; 5) consult with users on experiment design, materials and methods; 6) research of, and recommendation and implementation of new techniques and technology (problem solving is a key component of this position); and 7) carry out administrative/managerial responsibilities that include staff management, delegation of projects or tasks, and related reporting.
•Directly deliver electron microscopy expertise (Estimated 75% Time) - Provide TSRI's research community with facilitated access to transmission and scanning electron microscopes and image acquisition capabilities through consultation with preparation of an extensive range of specimens, microscope operation, data collection, morphometric analysis and image/figure preparation. Provide necessary quality-control protocols and reagents for direct use in applications or for user applications as needed. Consult with service users as necessary to develop relevant experimental design and incorporate new approaches to protocol as necessary.
•Provide consultation, technology import and communication (Estimated 10% Time) - Maintain current understanding of "state-of-the-art" knowledge in the EM field. Collect data required for grant submissions and/or those necessary to implement new technologies. Develop the tools and technologies necessary to make the latest specimen preparation, imaging and analysis techniques available to the TSRI community, research new tools and methods as needed. Maintain membership in professional microscopy-related organizations. Attend relevant workshops, seminars and conferences. Remain current in literature related to the facilitation and the import of new protocols, technology and equipment. Troubleshoot specific user needs and maintain customer relations. Communication of new methodologies, technologies and instrumentation to Service peers and the larger user base is required and may be facilitated through user meetings, interest group seminars, electronic communications and one-on-one discussions.
•Administrative duties (Estimated 10% Time) - Maintain all records relevant to instrument usage, maintenance, material and reagent use, chemical stocks and other inventories. Host user meetings; prepare quarterly reports and other reports as needed. Participate in recruitment and training of new personnel. Establish a performance management plan for supervised personnel. Conduct billing for services on schedule as required. Actively participate in departmental planning.
•Manage the electron microscopy operations, instrument oversight and maintenance (Estimated 5% Time) - Oversee operation of the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) & Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) instruments and ancillary equipment, including selection, installation, QC, validation and day-to-day operation. Arrange for service as needed. Provide users with access to EM in a core facility setting by demonstrating total facility use of the TEM & SEM as well as digital image capture, management and analysis. Provide expertise with current protocols in sample preparation including: fixation, embedding and ultrathin sectioning. Provide training to both the Service EM and LM personnel (Microscopist) as well as users in areas of microscope operation, specimen preparation, imaging, analysis and documentation. Ensures LM Staff Scientist performs according to defined duties as well as assigning specific projects, tasks and customer requests to the Staff Scientist and Microscopist.
•Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Research Services.