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The Centre for Cellular Imaging (CCI) in operation since 2003, is a national research infrastructure and one of the leading academic imaging facilities in Sweden providing expertise and access to advanced microscopy to the research community, both locally and at other Swedish universities and abroad (https://www.gu.se/en/core-facilities/centre-for-cellular-imaging). The CCI is located at the University of Gothenburg Core Facilities, and is also part of the National Microscopy Infrastructure (https://nmisweden.se/), the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab, scilifelab.se) and the Euro-BioImaging-ERIC (https://www.eurobioimaging.eu/). The CCI offers high-end imaging techniques for researchers in the various fields of life science, but also chemistry, physics, material science. The equipment includes several laser scanning (confocal and multiphoton) and conventional light microscopes, super-resolution microscopes, MALDI imaging mass spectrometry as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopes. We have also a comprehensive suite of electron microscopy sample preparation labs and equipment for room temperature, microwave and cryoEM preparation, including advanced ultramicrotomy capability. The scientific staff at the CCI assists researchers in the experimental designing and planning of microscopy experiments and provides the in-depth training for the operation of the microscopes and for specific imaging techniques. Additionally, support is provided in the processing, rendering and analysis of the acquired datasets and computational infrastructure for handling big image data. The CCI team has broad interactions with the wider microscopy community and has wide-ranging collaborations with both academic and industrial partners.
The CCI is now recruiting a motivated and experienced researcher in Electron Microscopy (EM) and its various applications in life sciences and more specifically in correlative array tomography. The position will involve direct participation in the research projects by performing ultrastructural analysis on various biological specimens including cultured yeast, bacteria, insect, and mammalian cells as well as model organisms such as flies, nematodes, fish, and rodents. The main tasks for the post holder will include sample preparation (chemical and cryo-fixation methods, resin embedding, serial sectioning) imaging (transmission and scanning EM, serial TEM, SEM and TEM tomography), advanced molecular mapping techniques (immuno-EM) and correlative array tomography, training, maintenance, and operations in electron microscopy.
Job assignments
The experienced researcher will work within the Centre for Cellular Imaging national research infrastructure and in direct collaboration with the Cellular and Molecular Imaging SciLifeLab platform. The post-holder will assist in providing outstanding imaging science for researchers, from initial consultation, experiment design through to sample preparation, image acquisition, analysis, and data interpretation. The post-holder will work on multiple imaging projects from research scientists, educating and training of core facility users in to select and apply the appropriate electron microscopy techniques, across a broad range of biomedical research disciplines (cell biology, immunology, infection and immunity, parasitology, cancer biology, neurobiology, biomaterials, clinical research and more). The post-holder will use a range of sample preparation, imaging, and analysis workflows, encompassing electron and light microscopy, often combined into correlative and multimodal pipelines, including full cell/tissue processing (chemically and by cryo), sectioning (plastic embedded) and cryo-sectioning. The post-holder will be also involved in technique and method development projects where the scientific research questions demand new innovations in imaging science, to meet with the users’ needs and participate in the teaching of users and PhD students. The post-holder will also contribute to smooth day-to-day operation of the facility.
Key responsibilities
These include but are not limited to:
- Contribute to the service provision of an outstanding CCI for our users by producing high quality and timely results on individual projects, from initial consultation through to sample preparation, image acquisition and analysis and data interpretation, as part of the CCI team.
- Participate in the development of new 3D volume EM techniques under the guidance of the CCI Lead.
- Train core facility scientists in all aspects of Electron Microscopy.
- Assist with general laboratory support including maintenance of microscopes, sample preparation equipment and rooms, purchasing and preparation of consumables including chemicals, buffers, and EM grids.
- Continuing professional development in the field of Electron Microscopy by attending courses and workshops, presenting work at scientific meetings, and keeping abreast of the relevant literature.
Qualifications
We are seeking for an ambitious and service-oriented team player with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. The candidate should be able to work both independently and as part of the CCI team and enjoy working in an international and highly collaborative and multidisciplinary scientific environment. To take this role the suitable candidate must hold a university degree (PhD) in the life sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology), with at least 10 years of clearly justify experience to solve biological and biomedical research questions in need of electron microscopy. High expertise in standard resin-embedding preparations of cells and tissues for TEM and SEM, ultramicrotomy, serial sectioning, in advanced sample preparation techniques (such as cryo-preparation for example high-pressure freezing, freeze substitution, plunge freezing), transmission electron microscopy and advanced volume scanning electron microscopy acquisition and correlative light and electron microscopy is essential. Experience in other type of correlated multimodal imaging workflows, immune-EM techniques (e.g. Tokuyasu) and image analysis are desirable. The candidate should be willing to expand his/her knowledge in new imaging techniques and be ready to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment. Ability to manage workload and structure the work with short timelines. We are looking for an enthusiastic person with a research background in biological sciences who combines technical expertise with strong communication skills, who has a strong will to aid other researcher in their work, but also the motivation to work independently. This post offers an unparalleled opportunity to apply your microscopy skills to exciting and innovative research across biomedical disciplines, with access to cutting edge instrumentation, and the chance to develop completely new imaging techniques and technologies for direct application to biomedical research. The role reports to the Head of the CCI.
Key experience and competencies
Essential
- University degree (PhD) in the life sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology).
- Great experience of research (at least 10 years) in the biomedical field, for example, cell biology, neurobiology, developmental biology, etc.
- Long-term expertise in biological scanning and transmission electron microscopy, including sample preparation techniques, electron microscope uses and maintenance, digital image acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of the image data.
- Experience of cryo-preparation techniques (high-pressure freezing, freeze substitution, plunge freezing, cryo-sectioning).
- Experience in serial sectioning for array tomography, both for electron and light microscopy.
- Experience in volume 3D-volumen EM (array tomography for large samples).
- Experience of Correlative light and electron microscopy.
- Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team.
- To have flexible and cooperative approach to working with others.
- Excellent project planning, timekeeping, organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Good communication skills English are essential.
- Ability to think creatively and problem-solving and work independently.
Desirable
- Experience in correlated multimodal imaging.
- Experience in light microscopy: including sample preparation techniques (for live or fix specimens), light microscopy uses and maintenance and digital image acquisition.
- Experience in image processing and analysis.
- Experience in cryo transmission electron microscopy.
- Experience of developing new techniques and technologies.
Employment
The position is a substitute employment for 24 months, full-time (100%), placed at the Centre for Cellular Imaging (CCI), Sahlgrenska academy. Starting date as agreed.
For further information regarding the position
For more information, please contact Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez (phone: +46-(0)31-786 9719, e-mail: juliafer@cci.sahlgrenska.gu.se).
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply
Information for International Applicants
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https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
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How to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.
To apply, please submit an electronic application (in English), which should include a cover letter, your CV, list of publications, three letters of recommendations, and a summary of experience in the fields of electron microscopy.
Closing date: 2021-11-01
The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.
Salary is determined on an individual basis.
Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.