Expert in Advanced Microscopy / Tissue Imaging

An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Officer / Senior Research Officer to join the Centre for Dynamic Imaging at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the position
The Centre for Dynamic Imaging (CDI) in the Advanced Technology and Biology Division, provides researchers with access to off-the-shelf and custom-built microscopy solutions, and specialist expertise to generate detailed, quantitative, and real-time views of biological systems for immune disorders and cancer, as well as infectious and inflammatory disease research.
We are a multidisciplinary team of scientists, with expertise in biology, engineering, and physics. A dedicated team of bioimage analysts also provides access to customised analysis pipelines as well as virtual computing infrastructure with an array of software for the visualisation, management, and analysis of data. We work collaboratively with research teams to provide innovative solutions in experimental design, sample preparation, data acquisition and data analysis, with an aim to gain new insights and accelerate discoveries.
The CDI is equipped with several light sheet microscopes, including the Zeiss Lattice light sheet and Z1 light sheet microscopes, both single molecule and 3D SIM super-resolution microscopes, several multiphoton platforms, equipment for spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, laser capture microdissection and an array of high-end confocal microscopes, such as the Leica Stellaris confocal with white light laser and FLIM.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-directed person who is highly specialized in advanced microscopy techniques to apply their expertise in 3D multiplexed imaging of tissues using a range of approaches, including confocal, light sheet and multiphoton microscopy. The Research Officer / Senior Research Officer will have an opportunity to work collaboratively with research teams at the Institute working on a wide range of biomedical projects and will be contributing to high impact research and translation. This position provides an excellent opportunity to be involved in world-class research projects, and for the successful applicant to build themselves a major international reputation.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
– In close collaboration with research teams and other members of the CDI, you will have a major role in conceptualising, designing, and conducting experiments using advanced microscopy (including experimental design, data collection, interpretation, and presentation)
– Apply state of the art methods for the preparation of tissues and the use of immunofluorescence staining for 3D multiplexed imaging of tissues from mouse or patient biopsy material, including tissue clearing, immunofluorescence staining and the preparation of tissue whole mounts.
– Providing training and supervision to students, post docs and peers in the use of confocal, light sheet and multiphoton microscopy and on the visualisation, processing and analysis of data and interpretation of results.
– Operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining confocal, light sheet and multiphoton microscopes, including Zeiss LSM 880, 980 and Leica Stellaris platforms, a Z1 light sheet microscope and Olympus multiphotons.
– Providing support to the head of the CDI for the supervision of staff and students and for coordinating the completion of projects in a timely manner.
– Working collaboratively with staff (WEHI Lab heads, post-docs, RAs, students), to introduce or develop new approaches in the CDI for facility users, which allow us to push the boundaries in 3D imaging.
– Contributing to the preparation and delivery of presentations and manuscripts for publication.
– Providing oversight for the maintenance and compliance for all matters related to health and safety, animal and human ethics and other regulatory requirements.
– Keeping abreast of the latest technological advances in the field by attending conferences or workshops both nationally and internationally.
– Contributing to the analysis and processing of image data using software packages like ImageJ/FIJI or IMARIS.
– Exquisite and timely record keeping and data entry into Electronic Lab Notebook and clear presentation of results.
– Strong desire to foster a positive workplace culture, which provides staff and students with a safe and productive place to work.

Selection Criteria
Essential
– PhD in biology, chemistry, physics, or related field of medical research (with evidence of experience/background in light microscopy such as confocal).
– Hands on problem solver that is proficient in scientific technology.
– Evidence of experience in the preparation of tissue for 3D imaging, including tissue fixation, clearing and immunofluorescence labelling.
– Knowledge and direct experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation for confocal, light sheet and multiphoton microscopy.
– Ability to troubleshoot experimental protocols, interpret data and design new experiments.
– Experience in managing research collaborations and the supervision of staff or students.
– Strong track record in the application of advanced microscopy to biological samples and to developmental or disease biology research.
– High level attention to detail and strong organisational skills, as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable
– Proficiency in using ImageJ/FIJI, IMARIS and other software tools.
– Experience in light sheet microscopy and/ or tissue clearing.
– A good knowledge of or experience in the steps required to process confocal and light sheet imaging data.
– Previous experience working within a core facility environment, and with individuals who have varying degrees of expertise in microscopy and who work on a diverse range of samples and experimental models.

Terms of appointment
This position is available initially for 2 years in a full-time capacity, with potential for this position to become ongoing thereafter. Salary is Academic Level A6-A8 for a Research Officer ($97,152–$104,281) or for more experienced candidates, Academic Level B1-B6 ($109,778-$130,353). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

Pre-application enquiries are encouraged and can be directed to Professor Kelly Rogers – rogers@wehi.edu.au or Dr Niall Geoghegan geoghegan.n@wehi.edu.au

A Senior Research Officer position description is available here.
A Research Officer position description is available here.

How to apply
Please apply through the WEHI careers page by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date:  6 May 2024