Research Specialist Sr.

Job Description

Perform basic and highly complex imaging processes for a large array of biomedical research.  Lead imaging design for research projects and perform imaging and analysis for broad range of investigations.  Train researchers to independently operate advanced light microscopy instrumentation. Exercise discretion and independent judgment to develop imaging approaches, including modification of existing methods and procedures to meet the investigation requirements consistent with imaging modalities.  Work with a variety of CISR users to provide microscopy expertise and to educate them on microscope operation. 

About Department/Shared Resource: 

The Cell Imaging Shared Resource (CISR) is an institutional, fee-for-service, advanced microscopy resource. The CISR provides researchers with access to state-of-the-art imaging equipment and expert technical support for sophisticated microscopy and analysis of tissue and cellular anatomy and physiology. Currently, the CISR independently manages 16 advanced optical microscopes, one transmission electron microscope and one environmental scanning electron microscope. All are fully operational and in excellent working condition. These instruments and the array of advanced capabilities offered by them are available to support any investigator with an appointment at Vanderbilt University or Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The CISR consists of five separate suites within Vanderbilt University. The overall philosophy of the resource has been to place instrumentation in several consolidated locations rather than a single central location. This helps maximize use of the instrumentation. All five locations for CISR equipment are within easy walking distance, so staff can move easily between instruments as needed.

The CISR consists of 11 full- and part-time faculty/staff who work together with each other and with Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers to provide imaging consultation, analysis consultation, microscope training, imaging for hire, and EM sample preparation.

Duties and Responsibilities

            1. Management of light microscopy (Nikon) equipment

1a. Administration – Oversee daily organization and use of the CISR Nikon COE (CISR/NCOE).  Train VU/VUMC CISR users to operate numerous advanced research microscopes and digital imaging systems, including image analysis and processing systems.  Provide daily assistance and troubleshooting to CISR/NCOE users and be available to users during workday imaging hours. As arises, oversee installation and daily organization of new Nikon equipment.   

1b. Communicate with Nikon – Maintain relationship with Nikon partners to ensure Nikon assistance in troubleshooting, repair, and new instrumentation assistance. Serve as a liaison between CISR users and Nikon to accomplish imaging and analysis goals of the researchers. 

2. Training, Process Development, and Documentation

2a. Instrument Use – Train VU/VUMC CISR users to operate numerous advanced research microscopes and digital imaging systems, including image analysis and processing systems in the CISR.   

2b. Protocol Development – Participate in data collection, evaluation, and analysis of basic and complex imaging processes used in a large array of biomedical research. Maintain up-to-date manuals, quick guides and application notes, including advanced techniques, (e.g. intravital imaging, super-resolution microscopy, live cell imaging, FRET, FRAP, TIRF) for a variety of CISR microscopes.

2c.  Education – Prepare and update microscope training materials (written, online, videos), so as to elevate the training procedures of the CISR.

2d. Quality Control - Ensure routine instrument calibration, diagnostics, troubleshooting and equipment service for a subset of CISR microscopes. Ensure consistent implementation of instrument performance standards.

2e. Facility Operation – Maintain electronic and paper files, including documentation for operating procedures, training, and instrument manuals. Conduct literature searches for Core bibliography collection and maintenance. 

     3. Research Support

3a. Technical Guidance - Provide technical assistance to students, post-docs, faculty and others as needed to perform imaging-related experiments, including configuration and operation of optical imaging equipment. Provide instruction in scientific data collection and analyses to enable accurate interpretation of image data. Exercise discretion and independent judgment to develop or modify existing