Imaging Specialist

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University seeks a Petascale EM Imaging Specialist to lead acquisitions of petascale image datasets via volume electron microscopy, leveraging the Institute's beam deflection transmission EM and multibeam scanning EM instruments to advance connectomics. This is a one-year term position with potential extension contingent on performance and funding.

Responsibilities include sample preparation, EM imaging, serial section collection, instrument maintenance, and training collaborators;

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field (neuroscience, physics, EE) as stated in the job posting.
• Ability to organize and execute several projects in parallel.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare EM samples by fixation, staining, and embedding.
• Perform volume imaging with transmission EM and multibeam scanning EM.
• Maintain microscopes and other instruments.
• Train collaborators on EM procedures.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Project management

Independent work

Education

PhD in Neuroscience

PhD in Physics

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

FIJI/ImageJ

EyeWire

Serial EM tomography

Job description

Overview

Petascale EM Imaging Specialist

The Princeton Neuroscience Institute is searching for an accomplished scientist to lead acquisitions of petascale image datasets via volume electron microscopy (EM). The Institute is the only site in the world hosting beam deflection transmission EM and multibeam scanning EM instruments, both of which have sufficient throughput for petascale connectomics. The Institute leads the FlyWire Consortium, which in 2023 released the first connectome of an adult brain, that of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The Institute is a key performer in the NIH BRAIN CONNECTS program, which aims to scale connectomics up to the whole mouse brain.

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of EM sample by fixation, staining, and embedding
• MicroCT imaging of EM sample
• Cutting and collecting series of ultrathin sections
• Volume imaging with transmission EM and multibeam scanning EM
• Maintenance of microscopes and other instruments
• Training collaborators at PNI on EM procedures

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Neuroscience, Physics, Electrical Engineering or other related field.
• At least 4 years hands-on experience in an EM laboratory
• Ability to organize and execute several projects in parallel
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team as well as independently on a wide variety of research projects
• Excellent communication skills
• Detail-oriented, focused, and highly motivated

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with serial section EM
• Histology
• Viral and immuno labeling
• Stereotaxic surgery
• Image analysis software and systems (e.g. FIJI/ImageJ, EyeWire)
• Light microscopy
• Experience with tilt series EM tomography

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver's License Required

No

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Salary Range

$110,000 to $140,000