Part-time Technical Support Specialist

Brandeis University; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Brandeis University is seeking a Part-time Technical Support Specialist for the Light Microscopy Core Facility. This 0.5 FTE role focuses on assisted-use imaging for external academic and industry users and Brandeis researchers, including sample handling, image acquisition, and data delivery.

You will also help with bookings, training requests, and facility reporting. Required is a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and solid knowledge of light microscopy; a Master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM is required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform assisted-use imaging for external and Brandeis researchers; acquire images, provide first-pass processing, and deliver organized data.
• Maintain records and usage reports; assist with booking accounts and training requests.
• Troubleshoot instruments; perform routine maintenance and QC checks; update SOPs as needed.
• Support day-to-day facility operations and health, safety, and risk assessment protocols.
• Participate in workshops and outreach activities to support a growing user base.

Skills

Light microscopy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ImageJ/Fiji

Job description

Brandeis University is looking for a Part-time Technical Support Specialist. The main purpose of this half-time (0.5 FTE) job is to expand what the Brandeis Light Microscopy Core Facility can do for its users. The main focus is assisted-use imaging: running experiments on behalf of external academic and industry users, and on behalf of Brandeis researchers. Working under the direction of the facility manager, the employee will run instruments, train and support users at basic to intermediate levels, and do routine maintenance and quality control. The facility’s instruments include widefield, confocal, spinning disk, 2-photon, STED super-resolution and light-sheet microscopes. The employee will help with day-to-day facility operations, including booking accounts, training requests, usage records, and operational spreadsheets and reports. The employee will also join workshops, outreach and professional development activities, so that the facility stays rigorous, reproducible and responsive to a growing academic and industry user base.

Job Description Performs assisted-use imaging for external academic and industry users and for Brandeis researchers, under the direction of the facility manager. This includes sample handling, image acquisition on the facility’s microscopes, first-pass image processing, and organized, documented data delivery. Gives users timely, high-quality results so that they keep coming back. Keeps records of the work done for each project - 35% Gives consultation, basic to intermediate training, and technical support to facility users across a range of light-microscopy techniques. Demonstrates standard operating procedures (SOPs) following facility guidelines. Helps users with image acquisition and introductory image processing and analysis workflows (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji) - 25% Performs routine maintenance, quality-control checks and performance assessments on facility instruments, including widefield, confocal, spinning disk, 2-photon, STED super-resolution and light-sheet systems. Troubleshoots equipment problems and works with instrument manufacturers and their service engineers on support and repairs, escalating to the facility manager as needed. Helps maintain SOPs that ensure data quality, rigor and reproducibility. May supervise student workers doing routine maintenance and facility tasks: assigns and checks their work, and trains them on procedures - 20% Helps with day-to-day facility operations: managing user booking accounts, processing training requests, keeping usage and training records, and maintaining the facility’s operational spreadsheets and periodic reports. Helps ensure that staff and users follow laboratory health, safety and risk-assessment protocols - 15% Takes part in internal and external professional development, technical workshops and imaging-network events. Supports outreach, facility tours and workshops for academic and industry users, and cross-trains with the facility manage- 5% This is a part-time position working 17.5 hours a week. The salary range for the position is $32k-$40k (for half-time).

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in STEM research field is required. Master's degree is preferred.

solid theoretical and practical knowledge of light microscopy, including widefield and confocal imaging is required.

Experience with at least one advanced modality (e.g., super-resolution, light-sheet or 2-photon) is preferred.

Should be familiar with biological sample preparation, image-acquisition strategies and image analysis software (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji).

Strong communication, teaching and interpersonal skills with a service-oriented mindset.

Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, attention to research ethics and data integrity, Ability to support many concurrent projects for a diverse academic and industry user base.

Pay Range Disclosure

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").

COME WORK WITH US

Brandeis University is a great employer for all the same reasons it is an outstanding university. Its commitment to inclusion, dedication to lifelong learning and commitment to excellence are just a few of the reasons our workplace culture shines bright. We take pride not only in maintaining this culture, but expanding it — by recruiting and retaining outstanding employees who share our values and enrich Brandeis University overall.

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").

Applicants who require accommodation in the job application process are welcome to contact Human Resources at 781-736-4474 or via email, [e-mail]. The health and safety of the Brandeis community is important. While not required, we strongly recommend that employees are fully vaccinated. For additional information feel free to review the Human Resources Office website.

Certain positions at Brandeis University may require a background check. To review this policy, visit our website at http://www.brandeis.edu/human-resources/onboarding/index.html