Research Associate/Fellow In Light Microscopy

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic Research Associate/Fellow with interests and experience in developing light microscopy based correlative approaches for the native state imaging and analysis of materials.

The role will be based in the Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre (nmRC) at the University of Nottingham. The Research Associate/Fellow must have good knowledge of, and practical skills for, the imaging of biological materials at the micro/nano-scale and an understanding of current limitations of these techniques. In particular, the Research Fellow should possess skills in preparing and preserving biological/organic samples for imaging and analysis. They will use these capabilities to underpin method development and the creation of innovative solutions to the characterisation challenges presented by University of Nottingham researchers and external users, helping establish the nmRC as a leader this field.

In particular the role will lead on the application of light microscopy to soft matter, organic or hydrated materials analysis, working within the cryogenic analytical and transfer (CAT) microscopy suite at the nmRC to establish and optimise novel or correlative workflows: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/nmRC/Tours/nmCS-Tours.aspx 

The role holder will have responsibility for three recently procured confocal laser scanning microscopes at the nmRC plus associated sample preparation techniques that enable analysis of samples in their most solvated, non-fixed states. A key focus will be on establishing methodologies for the combinatorial and synergistic analysis of such materials between light microscopy and other analytical techniques within the nmRC such as electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and imaging mass spectrometry.

Applicants must have a good first degree in a life science or related discipline, a PhD submitted (imminent submission acceptable) or awarded in an area related to life sciences / pharmacy / biosciences and experience of preparing biological (or related) samples for imaging and analysis. Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate complex information with clarity and write to a publishable standard are required.

The nmRC is a world leading analytical facility at the University of Nottingham. It provides state-of-the-art instrumentation and expertise in nanoscale characterisation, specialised sample preparation, and micro/nano-structure fabrication, for the benefit of all University of Nottingham researchers, external academic collaborators and industrial partners. The nmRC enables and enhances cross-faculty collaboration and fosters external collaborations with internationally leading institutions; provides a first-class environment for training & career development; and exploits opportunities for knowledge transfer and collaboration with industry. More information can be found on the nmRC website (www.nottingham.ac.uk/nmrc).

This post is available on a permanent with underlying funding contract for a period of 4 years.

Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours) ; however applications are also welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 29 hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to work part time and the number of preferred hours. Job share arrangements may be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Paul Brown (paul.brown@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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