Optical Microscopy Support Specialist

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

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. Click here to find out more about working 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.

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.

The role:

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.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate should have experience with light microscopes, particularly scanning confocal systems. Knowledge of quantitative techniques such as (FRET-)FLIM, FCS, and FRAP is highly desirable, along with experience in user training. An interest in image analysis and coding is essential; proficiency in software like Fiji or Arivis and programming in Python or Java is preferred.

Additional information:

For further information and details of how to apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004919. Interviews will be held on Monday 15th September. For informal enquiries please contact Eva Wegel at eva.wegel@jic.ac.uk. 

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.

To apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

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