Imaging Specialist

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Chicago's Integrated Light Microscopy Facility seeks an Imaging Research Analyst I to oversee the Light Microscopy Core’s Whole Slide Scanning Service and collaborate with staff and users to ensure efficient operation of equipment and workflows.

The role involves performing routine tasks on research projects, ensuring compliance with policies, and assisting in drafting presentations, reports, and manuscripts with a focus on high-quality data and service to investigators.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of processing, imaging, and analyzing fluorescently labeled samples, preferably with commercial microscopes and open‑source analysis software such as ImageJ/Fiji, cellpose, and/or QuPath.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, including sample preparation, confocal imaging, and/or live sample imaging.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot whole slide scanning machinery.
• Load, scan, and perform quality‑control checks on user‑prepared fluorescent and histology‑stained slides.
• Communicate with service users about scan status, set up accounts for new users, and guide them through slide drop‑off and pick‑up.
• Run image‑viewing and processing software (OlyVIA, Case Viewer, QuPath), and teach users how to use these tools.
• Assist Imaging Research Analyst II with maintaining and troubleshooting other core microscopes.
• Guide users in ethical use of image‑processing software and presentation of images.
• Assist with record keeping of usage and publications.
• Support commercial vendors with equipment and software demos.
• Maintain technical and administrative support for research projects.
• Install, set up, and perform experiments under the direction of the principal investigator.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Project management

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

OlyVIA

Case Viewer

QuPath

ImageJ/Fiji

cellpose

Job description

About The Department

The Integrated Light Microscopy Facility (ILMF) is a supervised, user‑based Shared Resource providing state‑of‑the‑art microscopy imaging and analysis capabilities to University investigators.

Job Summary

The Imaging Research Analyst I is responsible for all aspects of the Light Microscopy Core’s Whole Slide Scanning Service, and collaborates with core staff and users to ensure efficient, effective use of the facility and its equipment. The role performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects, ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory policies, and assists in drafting presentations, reports, and manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot whole slide scanning machinery.
• Load, scan, and perform quality‑control checks on user‑prepared fluorescent and histology‑stained slides.
• Communicate with service users about scan status, set up accounts for new users, and guide them through slide drop‑off and pick‑up.
• Run image‑viewing and processing software (OlyVIA, Case Viewer, QuPath), and teach users how to use these tools.
• Assist Imaging Research Analyst II with maintaining and troubleshooting other core microscopes.
• Guide users in ethical use of image‑processing software and presentation of images.
• Assist with record keeping of usage and publications.
• Support commercial vendors with equipment and software demos.
• Maintain technical and administrative support for research projects.
• Install, set up, and perform experiments under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Education

College or university degree in a related field.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.

Experience

• Knowledge of processing, imaging, and analyzing fluorescently labeled samples, preferably with commercial microscopes and open‑source analysis software such as ImageJ/Fiji, cellpose, and/or QuPath.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, including sample preparation, confocal imaging, and/or live sample imaging.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong communication skills and high degree of professionalism.
• Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.

Benefits

Pay range: $50,000.00 – $70,000.00. Benefits eligible: Yes.

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.