Entry-level Imaging Scientist in the Advanced Light Microscopy Unit (ALMU)

Centre for Genomic Regulation; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 40.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

An international research institute in Barcelona is seeking an enthusiastic entry-level Imaging Scientist to support the Advanced Light Microscopy Unit. Responsibilities include microscope maintenance, SOP management, and ensuring adherence to protocols. A Master's degree in a relevant field is required, along with skills in Python or R. Training will be provided for skill development in microscopy technologies. This role offers professional career development opportunities in a diverse work environment.

Servicios

Diverse and inclusive environment

Professional career development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Formación

• Strong verbal and written communication in English.
• Familiar with at least one bioimage analysis tool.
• Experience in quantitative imaging: sample preparation, image acquisition, and analysis.

Responsabilidades

• Contribute to daily and routine microscope maintenance.
• Prepare and manage standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Organize ALMU's consumables and assets.

Conocimientos

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving mindset

Educación

Master's degree in physics, chemistry, biology or a related field

Herramientas

Python

R

Fiji/ImageJ

CellProfiler

Descripción del empleo

Entry-level Imaging Scientist in the Advanced Light Microscopy Unit (ALMU)

The Institute

The Cent re for Genomic Regulation (CRG) is an international biomedical research institute of excellence, based in Barcelona, Spain, with more than 400 scientists from 44 countries. The CRG is composed by an interdisciplinary, motivated and creative scientific team which is supported both by a flexible and efficient administration and by high-end and innovative technologies.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, highly organized person to join us at the Advanced Light Microscopy Unit (ALMU). The post holder will be expected to carry out the following tasks within the 12 months of residency:

• Contribute to daily and routine microscope maintenance and establish orderly documentation of results. Report and document equipment issues and initiate repairs using ALMU’s RT system.
• Prepare and manage standard operating procedures (SOPs) for in-house QC experiments, following QUAREP‑LiMi guidelines.
• Implement standardized QC workflows with integrated reporting and develop automated data analysis workflows.
• Develop trackable tools for QC measurements, with potential integration on the website.
• Establish and maintain ALMU’s cell lines, oversee cell culture activities, prepare cells for downstream experiments, and ensure adherence to SOPs for culture and inventory management.
• Organize ALMU’s consumables and assets and update the inventory.
• Ensure proper implementation of sustainability measures within ALMU.
• Update, manage, and add content to ALMU’s website.
• Prepare a unified screen background across all microscope system PCs using QC data.
• Participate in organizing ALMU’s teaching and outreach events.
• Ensure that all users adhere to ALMU and CRG policies and procedures.
• Interact with requests and bookings through ALMU’s booking system.

The post holder will not be expected to train users, however, if they wish to develop their skills, training will be provided to help the post holder develop skills in instructing others on ALMU’s routine and advanced microscopy technologies. In this case, some additional responsibilities will be e.g.:

• Ensure that all users adhere to ALMU and CRG policies and procedures.
• Interact with requests and bookings through ALMU’s booking system.

This is a 12-month entry-level position and training will be provided to support task completion. Please read the “Must Have” competencies below to be considered for the role.

About ALMU

ALMU is a walk-in core unit, part of CRG’s Core Technologies Programme and member of Core for Life and EU‑LIFE, an excellence alliance of core facilities and research institutes in Europe, and part of the Spanish Euro‑Bioimaging Nodes: Super‑resolution Light and Nanoscopy Node and Live and Intravital Advanced Light Microscopy Node. We are located in the level –1 of the PRBB building and, together with our neighbours the Meso‑s Copic Imaging Facility (MIF) of EMBL Barcelona, we provide support and access to the full spectrum of light microscopy. We also collaborate with other research institutes in Barcelona, nationally and internationally.

The ALMU team consists of 4 dynamic and enthusiastic Imaging Scientists dedicated to assisting the research community with all aspects of Quantitative Bioimaging, including experimental design, sample preparation, acquisition, bioimage data analysis, automation and data visualization.

Our unit consists of microscope systems specifically designed for fluorescence microscopy and cover different modalities ranging from widefield and confocal to super‑resolution technologies and use primarily open‑source software for bioimage data analysis, including AI‑based bioimage analysis. We also run teaching courses and workshops in collaboration with CRG Training for the internal, local and international scientific community. ALMU also develops new imaging‑based methods and technologies and collaborates with the scientific community and our partner microscopy companies.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, biology or a related field.
• Understanding of optical microscopy and the different imaging modalities.
• Familiar with Python and/or R for data analysis, visualization and data interpretation.
• Experience in quantitative imaging: sample preparation (live and fixed), image acquisition using light microscopy, and image processing and analysis.
• Familiar with at least one bioimage analysis tool: Fiji/ImageJ, CellProfiler, napari, ilastik, cellpose or Huygens. Knowledge of ImageJ macro, OMERO or MetroloJ QC would be an asset.
• Experience in graphic design and website content development would be an asset.

Languages

• Strong verbal and written communication in English. Catalan would be an asset.

Competences

• Empathy, understanding, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Highly developed organizational skills and attention to details.
• Possess a strong problem‑solving mindset.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently or as part of a team.
• Ability to handle diverse daily tasks efficiently and in a timely manner, independently or as part of a team in a dynamic environment with frequently changing priorities.

The Offer – Working Conditions

Contract duration: Technical and scientific activities contract (estimated duration 12 months)

Estimated annual gross salary: This is an entry‑level position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.

Target start date: February 2026.

We provide a highly stimulating environment with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructures, and unique professional career development opportunities. To check out our training and development portfolio, please visit our website in the training section.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

CRG is committed to reconciling a work and family life of its employees and offers extended vacation period and the possibility to benefit from flexible working hours.

Application Procedure

All applications must include:

• A motivation letter addressed to Dr. Nadia Halidi.

All applications must be addressed to Dr. Nadia Halidi and be submitted online through the “Apply” button below.

Selection Process

Pre‑selection: The pre‑selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise reflected on the candidates CVs. It will be merit‑based.

Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and a selection panel if required.

Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is identified the People department will send a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary, working conditions, among other important details.

Deadline: Please submit your application by November 18 th , 202 5.

Suggestions: The CRG believes in ongoing improvement and promotes a culture of feedback. This is one of the reasons we have in place, at your disposal as a candidate, a mechanism to gather your suggestions/complaints concerning your candidate experience in our recruitment processes. Your feedback really matters to us in our aim at creating a positive candidate journey. You can make a difference and help us improve by letting us know your suggestions through the following form.