A position is available in Houston, TX at Rice University’s Shared Equipment Authority (SEA) for a Microscopy Specialist. Details below. Applicants can apply here.
Job Description
Position Summary
Rice U. invites application for a research scientist to join our Shared Equipment Authority (SEA) to oversee and operations of a LUMICKS C-Trap instrument. The Lumicks C-Trap is an optical tweezer instrument that combines wide-field and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to provide state-of-the-art imaging with simultaneous single-molecule manipulation. Additionally, the Lumicks C-Trap incorporates microfluidics to conduct experiments under laminar flow in a temperature-controlled environment. Proposed experiments include tracking cellular processes, measuring protein and polymer surface interactions, probing the mechanical properties of biological membranes, and designing novel colloidal molecules.
Essential Functions
- Ability to train users on the software used to operate the systems, with the goal of user independence
- Ability to effectively communicate both remotely and in-person (written and verbal) with SEA staff, users, and 3rd party vendors, sharing outcomes of evaluations and experiments, and guiding future efforts to optimize results required
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues with sample preparation, imaging system performance, configuration and usage, in order to produce publication quality results for SEA users
- Ability to evaluate projects for technical feasibility and manage progress on many projects concurrently required
Required Qualifications
- Master’s Degree
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5 years of a combination experience of hands-on experience in biological and/or materials science sample preparation and extensive experience performing experiments using light microscopy
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- In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
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Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D.in Physics, Engineering, or related field preferred
- Experience using or background in single-molecule microscopy and/or force spectroscopy, such as STORM, PALM, and optical tweezer technology, is a bonus.
- Experience in using scripting languages (e.g. Java, Matlab, Python, C+) is preferred.
- Experience in image processing and analysis methods, including the development of custom algorithms, is preferred