Interim Director of Microscopy, University of Richmond (Virginia, USA)

The Department of Biology at the University of Richmond invites applications for a full-time position as Interim Director of Microscopy and Imaging to begin in January of 2022. This is a 12-month term appointment, annually renewable for up to three years. The University is committed to supporting the essential role of microscopy and imaging across the curriculum and the establishment of a permanent Director of Microscopy & Imaging position is under review. As scientific imaging is continually evolving and it is important for the Director to stay current on the state of the field, the position also includes some funding for the Director to attend approved professional meetings and/or enroll in microscopy-training courses. Applicants for the Interim Director position should have a PhD or MS degree and a demonstrated record of professional experience with light and electron microscopy (including sample preparation and quantitative analyses), demonstrated experience in professional collaboration and partnerships, and a keen interest in aiding, training, and developing undergraduate students into accomplished microscopists. As such, strong interpersonal skills, a desire and ability to contribute to a collaborative environment, and a dedication to carrying out their work to enhance the institutional goal of inclusive excellence are essential components of a successful application.

Although housed within the Biology Department the Microscopy Facility also serves faculty and students in Chemistry, Physics, and other departments within the School of Arts & Sciences, where the emphasis is on undergraduate education. The research-active faculty excel at student-centered undergraduate teaching and involving undergraduate students in authentic research and scholarly work. The Interim Director will join a collegial and collaborative community of faculty and student users and will provide expert advice in appropriate experimental design for the available instruments. The Interim Director will provide training and support in specimen preparation, instrument use, and quantitative analysis of imaging data for both light- and electron-microscopy approaches. They will work with faculty to support appropriate incorporation of both classroom-grade and research-grade microscopy into their courses. Duties also include operation, routine maintenance, and overseeing repair of the microscopes and their associated equipment. As the mission of the facility is to support the education and research goals of the community, the University funds the facility on behalf of the community, and users are not charged individually for instrument use or consultation. 

The microscopy facility has an impressive array of advanced microscopes used by both faculty and students in their research and courses that include a field-emission SEM, TEM, inverted laser-scanning confocal microscope, and five wide-field fluorescence microscopes with digital image capture—two with time-lapse ability. Additionally, classroom-grade compound microscopes and dissecting microscopes (a fleet of ~100 of each type of microscope) are used in courses across all levels of the curriculum.

The University of Richmond is a private university located just a short drive from downtown Richmond, Virginia. Through its five schools and wide array of campus programming, the University combines the best qualities of a small liberal arts college and a large university. With nearly 4,000 students, an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and more than 90% of traditional undergraduate students living on campus, the University is remarkably student-centered, focused on preparing students “for lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership in a diverse world.” 

The University of Richmond is committed to developing a diverse workforce and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of difference in ways that promote thriving in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. Our academic community strongly encourages applications that are in keeping with this commitment. For more information on the department and its programs, please see https://biology.richmond.edu/.

Applicants should apply online at http://jobs.richmond.edu and submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter. In no more than three pages, the cover letter should contextualize:

• How the candidate’s previous experiences have prepared them well to support the teaching and research responsibilities of the Director of Microscopy as described
• How the candidate’s experience, training, and aspirations will support & enrich the University’s goals of inclusive excellence with respect to participation science through microscopy & imaging
• How the candidate’s work in this term position could enhance the research and teaching at the University, as well as enhance the candidate’s own professional development

Review of applications will commence October 15, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide the names and contact information for three professional references. Those references will be asked to submit letters of recommendation addressing the candidate’s interest and preparation for this position. Inquiries about the position may be sent to the search committee chair, Dr. Omar Quintero-Carmona (oquinter@richmond.edu).

(No Ratings Yet)