Research Associate I (Microscopy)
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
3 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: New
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department: Advanced Optical Microscopy Facility (AOMF)
Reports to: Staff Scientist
Salary Range: $73808 to 110700 per year
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: Monday to Friday
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Closing Date: April 10 2026
Position Summary
The Advanced Optical Microscopy Facility (AOMF) at University Health Network is Canadas largest optical microscopy facility. With instruments at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Toronto General Research Institute and the Krembil Research Institute the AOMF provides researchers with the latest in optical micro-imaging technology for both internal (UHN) users and external users. The AOMF team provides training and support on various instruments and teaches users techniques of optical microscopy ranging from the basics of fluorescence microscopy to advanced super-resolution microscopy modern live-cell methods and image processing and analysis.
This Research Associate position is for a Sample Preparation and Imaging Scientist. The successful candidate has abundant experience in preparing fixed and live samples for confocal microscopy including 4-colour immunofluorescence (IF) labeling and live-cell transfections. At least half of their time will be devoted to sample preparation. They will help users prepare routine samples (such as 4-colour IF) for use on the AOMF widefield and confocal microscopes. Moreover they will extend their expertise to include the preparation of samples suitable for: 1) 5- and 6-channel IF for standard confocal microscopy; 2) high multiplex imaging using the Spectraplex module on our Leica Stellaris confocal microscope; 3) STED super-resolution imaging of fixed and live mitochondria; 4) Expansion microscopy. The Research Associate develops an expert knowledge of many of the Advanced Optical Microscopy Facility (AOMF) microscopes including widefield confocal and STED super-resolution microscopes; and they perform full-service image capture on these instruments. Together with the rest of the AOMF team the Research Associate consults with users as they plan imaging experiments trains users to operate the microscopes and applies problem-solving skills to assist users with their projects and troubleshoot both sample and instrumentation issues. The Research Associate also assists users in deriving meaningful data from their images using the AOMFs image processing and analysis software (including ImageJ Huygens HALO and Imaris). As a senior member of the AOMF team the Research Associate will be expected to continually enhance their microscopy expertise by reading microscopy papers and attending conferences webinars product demonstrations etc. They may help develop courses presentations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new sample preparations instruments or microscopy techniques. Depending on the candidates aptitude and interests there are several opportunities available for working on an individual research project. Most of the Research Associates time is spent at the AOMFs PMCRT (101 College St.) and TGH sites but they may occasionally help at the Krembil and Princess Margaret sites.
Duties
- Consult with users to help them plan their microscopy experiments
- Provide expert advice and training for the preparation of fixed cells and tissues for 4-colour Fluorescence microscopy (fixation permeabilization labeling and mounting)
- Provide expert advice and training for the preparation of live cells for optical microscopy
- Optimize and prepare complex samples for advanced optical microscopy experiments such as 5- and 6-colour IF high multiplex imaging STED super-resolution and Expansion microscopy
- Operate the AOMF widefield confocal and super-resolution microscopes for full-service image capture
- Train users to operate the AOMF microscopes and support them when they experience problems
- Train and assist users on the AOMFs image processing and analysis software (ImageJ Huygens deconvolution HALO and Imaris)
- Read microscopy papers and attend conferences webinars product demonstrations etc. to enhance microscopy expertise
- Help develop courses presentations posters Standard Operating Procedures for the AOMFs equipment or other optical microscopy techniques
Qualifications :
- At minimum a Masters degree in Biology Chemistry Physics Engineering or a related field and 2 years of experience is required OR a Bachelors degree with 5 years of experience
- At least 4 years of experience in cell culture and sample preparation for optical microscopy
- At least 2 years of experience performing advanced optical microscopy such as confocal multiphoton light-sheet super-resolution or related techniques.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Highly proficient with computers and able to learn new software
- Strong Proficiency with MS Office software (Word Excel Outlook PowerPoint)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Additional Information :
Why join UHN
In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world UHN offers a wide range of benefits programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor allowing you to find value where it matters most to you now and throughout your career at UHN.
- Competitive offer packages
- Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
- A flexible work environment
- Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
- Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel restaurants parking phone plans auto insurance discounts on-site gyms etc.)
All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.
UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.
Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading inaccurate or incorrect UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.
UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.
We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time
Key Skills
About Company
The University Health Network, where above all else the needs of patients come first, encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, t ... View more
