Microscopy Specialist - Temporary at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Job Location is at: 10010 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 90037

Note: Length of contract: expected to last for up to 4 months

Summary

The Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Core facility stands at the forefront of imaging and data analysis technologies, offering state-of-the-art resources to the Salk community. We are seeking a talented and motivated Microscopy Specialist to join our team on a temporary basis, specializing in light and electron microscopy. The Microscopy Specialist will have expertise in utilizing advanced microscopy techniques and volumetric electron microscopy (EM). The successful candidate will be responsible for sample preparation and processing for EM, ultramicrotome sectioning, imaging using both transmission and scanning EM, and analysis, while also providing training and support to facility users.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Operate and maintain a range of light and electron microscopy equipment, ensuring optimal performance and safety standards.


• Sample preparation: Safely prepare samples for light and electron microscopy techniques, including staining and embedding. This includes working with hazardous chemicals including osmium tetroxide, lead salts, uranyl acetate, strong solvents, acids, and bases, and plastic resins.


• Sectioning: safely section samples with the vibratome and ultramicrotome (thin and semi-thick sections) for collection on TEM grids as well as serial sectioning for volumetric reconstructions.


• Data collection: responsible for collecting high-quality data using the transmission EM and the scanning EM.


• The incumbent will guide and assist Salk researchers in the design of imaging experiments and adoption of protocols tailored to specific project needs, participating in discussion and weekly introductory group and individual meetings held at the Core.


• Assist in troubleshooting technical issues and performing routine maintenance on equipment.


• Maintain accurate records of experiments, imaging sessions, and equipment usage.


• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

What we Require

• Master's Degree (MA) or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics), or four to ten years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Doctoral Degree (Ph. D.) or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics), or more than ten years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Proven expertise in light microscopy (e.g., fluorescence, confocal, super-resolution, automated slide scanning) and electron microscopy (e.g., SEM, TEM).


• Strong background in sample preparation techniques for both light and electron microscopy.


• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to train and collaborate with diverse research teams. Ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials. Skill at explaining difficult concepts and training users.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proven organizational and time management skills to successfully set priorities, meet established deadlines and recognize new problems with constantly changing priorities and frequent interruptions.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced research environment.


• Knowledge of standard laboratory and safety procedures.


• 
  Preferred (education/experience/skills):
  
  
  
  • Experience in a core facility or shared resource setting.
  
  
  • Experience with tissue preparation and histology.
  
  
  • Theoretical and practical knowledge of biology or related scientific field and of tissue structure on an anatomical, cellular, and molecular level.
  
  
  
  

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $32.45 to $42.67 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.