Senior Microscopist and Facility Manager

About the Job

Interview Date: 13 or 15 May 2026 (TBC)

The University of Northampton seeks to appoint a Senior Microscopist and Facility Manager to lead the operation, strategic development, and long-term sustainability of its new advanced imaging facility. The post holder will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the facility, delivering expert technical support, advice, and training in advanced microscopy to a diverse user base including academic staff, students, and external partners. An emphasis is placed on laser scanning and spinning disk confocal microscopy, with additional responsibility for developing capability and best practice in complementary techniques, including scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry where applicable.

The post holder will be expected to supervise and mentor technical staff, demonstrators, and students, build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and engage in continuous professional development to maintain and enhance technical, leadership, and teaching or research expertise.

About You

You will have an academic background in a relevant scientific discipline, supported by a PhD or equivalent professional experience and extensive hands-on expertise in advanced light microscopy for biological applications. This will include in-depth experience with widefield microscopy and laser scanning and/or spinning disk confocal microscopy, alongside an understanding of biological sample preparation, labelling strategies and live-cell imaging workflows.

You will have experience working in a microscopy facility or similar shared research environment, with a demonstrable ability to train, support, and advise users with a wide range of experience levels. You will be highly competent in image acquisition, data processing, analysis, and long-term data storage, and able to advise on best-practice computational workflows that support high-quality, reproducible research.

You will bring operational and laboratory management skills, including procurement, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle planning, together with a thorough understanding of health and safety requirements, quality assurance, and standard operating procedures. Experience in managing complex resources, supporting budgets, and contributing to cost-recovery or income-generation models will be advantageous. 

Familiarity with scanning electron microscopy, multicolour flow cytometry and associated data analysis software, or a clear willingness and aptitude to develop expertise in these areas, is desirable. You will be an effective communicator with excellent written and oral skills, able to build and maintain productive working relationships with academic, technical, student, and external stakeholders. You will be organised, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering a high-quality service in an environment with competing priorities. Experience of contributing to publications, funding bids and teaching or training activities will further support your suitability for this senior technical post.

Qualifications

Essential;

• First degree in a relevant science subject(s)
• PhD in relevant subject area, or equivalent experience

Right to Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

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