Short-term (4 months) Imaging Scientist in the Advanced Light Microscopy Unit (ALMU)

Centre for Genomic Regulation; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 50.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading biomedical research institute in Barcelona seeks a qualified candidate to provide imaging support for the Advanced Light Microscopy Unit. The successful candidate will train researchers, maintain systems, and ensure proper operations. Candidates must have a Master's in a relevant field and at least three years of experience with advanced light microscopy. The position is temporary for four months, starting January 2026, with a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications.

Formación

• In-depth understanding of optical microscopy.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a research environment using advanced light microscopy instruments.
• Experience in quantitative imaging: sample preparation, acquisition, and analysis.

Responsabilidades

• Train, manage, and support imaging needs of ALMU’s research community.
• Maintain and quality control imaging systems.
• Prepare standard samples and maintain lab and microscopy areas.

Conocimientos

Optical microscopy

Advanced light microscopy techniques

Problem-solving mindset

Communication skills in English

Interpersonal skills

Educación

Masters in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Bioengineering or related field

Ph.D. preferred

Herramientas

Leica microscope systems

Zeiss microscope systems

Fiji/ImageJ

CellProfiler

R or Python

Descripción del empleo

The Institute

The Centre 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.

The postholder will be working with the team at the Advanced Light Microscopy Unit (ALMU) to train, manage and support the imaging needs of ALMU’s research community. The postholder will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and quality control of system performance, troubleshooting imaging systems, including widefield and confocal microscopy platforms. She/he will provide training and technical guidance to researchers on microscopy techniques and best practices according to ALMU standards. Report and document equipment issues and initiate repairs using ALMU’s RT system. Ensure that all users adhere to ALMU and CRG policies and procedures. Interact with requests and bookings through ALMU’s booking system. Order with CRG’s purchasing system. Prepare standard samples and join the team in maintaining the wet lab and microscopy areas.

The ideal candidate will be able to join ALMU and bridge the 4 months staff gap by providing immediate, hands-on support with specific tasks. As this role is critical to facilitating a smooth transition and rapid adaptation, relevant and specific experience is required. Given the short duration of this role, it is essential that the successful candidate brings relevant and specific experience to ensure smooth and effective integration without the need for an extended training period. Targeted adjustments and internal training will be provided to enable the candidate to perform the tasks in line with ALMU standards.

ALMU has over 200 users from CRG and beyond, mainly from the Barcelona area and nearby cities. As such, the role will involve addressing research questions from a broad field, ranging from cell biology, cancer biology, marine biology, plant biology, neuroscience, biophysics and cellular biomechanics. The postholder will be expected to operate specific instruments at ALMU covering technical capabilities for live-cell imaging, spectral imaging, FRET, FLIM, airyscan imaging, bioimage processing, analysis and data visualization. More information about instrumentation at ALMU here .

About ALMU

ALMU is a walk-in core unit, part of CRG’s Core Technologies Programme and member of Core for Life andEU-LIFE, an excellence alliance of core facilities and research institutes in Europe, and on the path to becoming a Euro-Bioimaging node. We are located in the level -1 of the PRBB building and together with our neighbours the Mesoscopic 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.

ALMU is dedicated to assisting the research community with all aspects of Quantitative Bioimaging, including experimental design, sample preparation, acquisition, bioimage data processing and 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.

• In depth understanding of optical microscopy
• Masters in areas such as Biology, physics, chemistry, Bioengineering or a related field. Ph.D. is preferred but not required
• At least 3 years’ experience in a research environment using advanced light microscopy instruments
• Experience using the following commercial confocal microscope system and software: Leica (SP8 or Stellaris), Zeiss (LSM980)
• Experience in quantitative imaging: sample preparation (live and fixed), acquisition and analysis
• Familiar with advanced light microscopy techniques: FRAP, FRET, FLIM, airyscan microscopy
• Familiar with one or more bioimage analysis tools: Fiji/ImageJ, CellProfiler, napari, ilastik, cellpose or Huygens. Knowledge of ImageJ macro, R or Python would be an asset

Languages

• Strong verbal and written communication in English
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan is not required, but would be an asset

Competences

• Possess a strong problem-solving mindset
• Ability to work independently and efficiently or as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with Unit users and potential new users
• Effectively communicate complex ideas to those new to the field
• Highly developed organizational skills and attention to details.
• Proficient in handling diverse daily tasks in a dynamic environment with frequently changing priorities

The Offer – Working Conditions

• Contract duration: Temporary 4-months fixed term.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales.
• Target start date: January 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 welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The CRG is committed to reconcile a work and family life of its employees and are offering 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 Human Resources department will send a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary, working conditions, among other important details.

Deadline: Please submit your application by January 7 th , 2026.

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 .