Senior Microscopist Full-time

Senior Microscopist

Join the Institute for Molecular Bioscience's Advanced Microscopy Platform as our next Senior Microscopist, where you'll work in a highly collaborative team driving cutting-edge imaging research. In this hands-on specialist role, you'll operate, maintain and optimise our advanced optical, fluorescence and confocal systems while delivering high-quality research support, user training and equipment quality control.

Working closely with academic, industry and commercial partners, you'll contribute across the full imaging pipeline, from experimental design and sample preparation through to image acquisition, bespoke analysis workflows and publication-ready outputs.

You'll also help uplift capability across the research community by developing and delivering engaging training programs, seminars and workshops. The role includes supporting key operational and IT functions such as data management and facility management systems (e.g., PPMS, VDI and acquisition PCs).

If you're passionate about cutting-edge imaging and enjoy working in a collaborative research environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide high-level expertise in optical microscopy to optimise, maintain and troubleshoot advanced fluorescence and confocal imaging systems.
• Design and implement bespoke image analysis pipelines using open-source and commercial software in collaboration with researchers.
• Ensure safe, efficient and reliable operation of facility instrumentation and associated IT infrastructure with a high level of autonomy.
• Develop and deliver individual and group training in advanced microscopy, image acquisition, visualisation and analysis.
• Provide expert application support across experimental workflows, including sample preparation, labelling/staining and imaging strategies for standard and advanced techniques (e.g., FRAP, FRET, FLIM, FCS, TIRF, STED, AiryScan).
• Guide researchers in selecting appropriate imaging approaches to achieve robust, reproducible and quantitative results.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with users, collaborators, commercial partners and vendors; lead one or more advanced imaging modalities and contribute to community engagement through conferences and adoption of emerging technologies.
• Perform facility operational tasks, including general maintenance, PC2 laboratory work, asset management (stocktaking, tagging, ordering), record-keeping (training, usage, charges), and assisting with managing casual cleaning staff and external consultants.

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world. Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
• Salary packaging options

Essential:

• Degree in a biological or biomedical field (or related discipline) with at least four years of extensive relevant experience in biological optical microscopy/imaging, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education/training. Postgraduate qualifications or progress toward postgraduate study are highly regarded.
• Demonstrated high-level expertise in operating, maintaining and optimising advanced optical microscopy systems (fluorescence and confocal), with strong understanding of imaging theory and application.
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot complex instrumentation issues and ensure safe, reliable operation of microscopy equipment and associated IT systems, alongside providing expert support in experimental design, sample preparation, labelling/staining and imaging workflows across biological applications.
• Demonstrated proficiency in image analysis, including developing and implementing bespoke pipelines using open-source and commercial software (e.g. Fiji, Python, Imaris).
• Extensive experience delivering high-quality microscopy training through one-on-one instruction and group workshops.
• Strong track record of effective research collaboration, contributing to experimental design, data interpretation and publication-ready outputs.
• High-level organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work independently or collaboratively and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgement and autonomy in managing competing priorities within a complex, service-focused research environment.
• Evidence of broader scientific engagement, including conference presentations, contributions to publications and participation in microscopy-related professional networks.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a core facility or shared research infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more advanced imaging modalities (e.g. FLIM, 2-photon, TIRF, STED Airyscan or similar).
• Windows Server & professional operating system management, Drupal or similar web-development experience, python and/or others scripting/coding languages
• Experience in evaluating, implementing or supporting new technologies and or engagement with vendors

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.