In Vivo Microscopy Specialist Technician – College of Medicine and Health – 107846 – Grade 6 Full-time

In Vivo Microscopy Specialist Technician

The In Vivo Microscopy Specialist Technician will provide specialist scientific and technical support in our Biomedical Imaging Facility (BIF) and in particular, the operation, development and delivery of our state-of-the-art 4D in vivo microCT equipment. This will include giving specialist advice about the offering and match that to the user requirement. The specialist will use advanced skills to support maintenance and in-depth training of the equipment offering at the facility for users.

The successful candidate will need to develop constructive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders (both internal and external) to support experimental design, imaging workflows, image acquisition, data management and image analysis associated with advanced in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro imaging studies across a diverse interdisciplinary research portfolio.

The post holder will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operation of the wider BIF Facility, including user training, competency assessment, supported-service provision, maintenance coordination and ensuring compliance with relevant Health and Safety, Home Office and University policies and procedures. The role will require strong project management and organizational skills to coordinate imaging activities and contribute to the development and optimization of new imaging workflows, user engagement activities and continuous improvement of Facility operations, supporting delivery of a sustainable and collaborative research technology platform.

Main duties include:

• Provide specialist 4D in vivo microCT and microscopy support.
• Provide specialist scientific and technical support for users of the 4D in vivo microCT Imaging Facility across a broad range of interdisciplinary research applications, ensuring the Facility operates in an effective and efficient manner and equipment is maintained to optimal operational standards.
• Act as a first point of contact for internal and external users wishing to access the Facility, providing specialist advice and guidance regarding imaging workflows, equipment capabilities, experimental feasibility and study design.
• Deliver user training on operation of the 4D in vivo microCT platform and associated workflows, maintaining competency and training records to enable independent user access where appropriate.
• When required assist, supervise and guide users on the use of the equipment.
• Assist users with troubleshooting experimental and technical imaging issues and provide feedback and guidance regarding optimization of imaging protocols and workflows.
• Ensure equipment is maintained, serviced and calibrated as required and that all documentation pertaining to these activities is stored appropriately for review by the Research Facilities Manager.
• Support operation of wider BIF facility management systems, including scheduling, user access, data management and monitoring of equipment usage and capacity.
• The role holder will be required to perform basic systems administration operations including file transfer, scheduled back-ups and long-term archiving of data.
• Attend and participate in relevant user groups, technical meetings and training activities to review emerging technologies, developments in the field and opportunities for service enhancement. Invitations to this group will extend to users and managers of other microscopy related facilities in other Colleges and form an important part of inter-College coordination.
• Support teaching and training activities relating to imaging technologies across the microCT and wider facility where required.
• Contribute to user engagement activities including workshops, demonstrations, presentations, training events and promotion of Facility capabilities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Actively engage in the Personal Development Process.
• Contribute at a level appropriate with the grade, to internal and external audit procedures, and to regulatory inspections.
• Assist Line Manager in identifying and tracking items held on the University asset register.
• Play a proactive role in developing new initiatives for the service and ensure such initiatives are expressed in a coherent/professional format to inform and/or influence senior management.
• Promote equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Supports the University's sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.

Required knowledge, skills, qualifications, and experience include:

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) or relevant technical qualification and relevant experience – where no equivalent qualification is held, extensive proven practical and technical experience in a similar role will be required.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly and to analyze information and data using Microsoft office applications.
• Experience working with in vivo research models, including animal handling and supporting regulated experimental procedures within a research environment.
• Proven experience working with advanced imaging technologies within a research, technical OR facility environment.
• Professional experience working within a research, technical support OR shared facility environment.
• Understanding of and ability to apply relevant regulatory (e.g. Home Office), governance and Health and Safety procedures within a research environment.
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
• Proven ability to organize and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices and requirements.
• Proven ability to work independently whilst functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Proven ability to understand user requirements and provide specialist technical advice and guidance to support development of appropriate imaging and experimental workflows.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions within own area, whilst having regard to local and wider interests.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of users.
• Experience of experimental optimization, technical troubleshooting and delivery of complex scientific or technical workflows.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages and experience of image processing, image analysis and data management software associated with imaging technologies.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.