Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Light Microscopy Technician to join our Nikon Imaging Centre (NIC) team at King’s College London on a 12-month, fixed term contract.   

The NIC is a core facility for light microscopy, developed and operated as a partnership between King’s College London and Nikon Instruments UK. This partnership allows us to offer the latest state-of-the-art light microscopy and imaging to the research community and the Centre serves as a learning platform for our regional corporate partners and contributors. 

Our mission is to promote innovation across a broad range of biological research fields by providing access to cutting edge microscopy and imaging equipment as well as develop new microscope setups and imaging techniques in response to feedback from the users of Centre. 

The purpose of the role is to assist in the running and maintenance of the Centre, providing guidance in experimental design and implementation, in addition to expert training/support to new and existing users.  

The successful candidate will deliver support in an organised, timely and efficient manner and be able to manage and prioritise their own workload. Strong commutations skills are a key aspect of the role and the successful candidate will need to communicate effectively with users, colleagues and external partners.  

This role offers opportunities for development and growth and the Centre is committed to supporting staff to reach their career aspirations.    

This post will be offered on a 12-month fixed term contract 

This is a full-time post

Key responsibilities

•       Deliver a high level of quality and service to support the efficient running of the Nikon Imaging Centre (NIC), providing technical expertise in microscopy experimental methods, sample prep, image acquisition and analysis. 

•       Provide training and advice to facility users on a large number of different types of microscopy equipment, including confocal, multiphoton, time-lapse and super-resolution. This will involve, assessing and identifying users’ needs and tailoring support, either in one-to-one or group training, as well as maintaining accurate training records.  

•       Assist with routine microscope maintenance, liaising, where required, with Nikon engineers and staff to discuss routine and emergency maintenance of equipment when necessary, keeping the team informed of any potential issues with instruments or scheduling.  

•       Responsible for understanding and delivering a safe working practice within the Centre, aware of the risks and the potential impact on own work and that of others. Ensure H&S protocols are followed by staff and users, COSHH and Risk Assessment requirements are adhered to and safety records are maintained and regularly reviewed.  

•       Maintain up to date knowledge and understanding in field to ensure a good knowledge foundation for discussion and advising users. 

•       Analyse and interpret research data and help users to draw conclusions on the outcomes. 

•       Actively publicise and promote the Centre through engagement and networking, contributing to King’s events and workshops. Commit to professional development (e.g. Professional Registration with the Science Council). 

•       Assist in the development of student research skills and contribute to King’s student teaching/training, as part of NIC workshops. 

•       Communicate information using a range of media to all levels of staff, users and steering groups. This may include responding to email enquiries and user notifications, as well as material of specialist or a highly technical nature, such as detailed specification of imaging systems or software and the specific applications these systems may be used for.  

•       Where appropriate, contribute to publications arising from work ongoing in the Nikon Imaging Centre. 

•       Plan and prioritise own work, taking into account the needs of the Centre and our users, making independent decisions about day-to-day operations, including troubleshooting technical issues and solving user-based problems. Able to balance the competing pressures of user requirements and administrative demands and deadlines. 

•       Follow standard GDPR procedures for respecting confidentiality. 

•   The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential Criteria

1.      Degree in life sciences or physical sciences or equivalent experience. 

2.     Experience of microscopy/ imaging techniques.  

3.     Knowledge of COSHH and implementing Health and Safety procedures, and risk assessments. 

4.     Excellent communication skills.  

5.     Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills. 

6.     A broad understanding of effective approaches to train microscope users in imaging methodologies and techniques. 

7.     Excellent planning & organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities. 

8.     Detailed and focused approach, ability to record and manage data accurately, and in accordance with GDPR and legislation requirements. 

9.     Ability to apply learnt techniques/skills to the work context and willingness to learn new skills and techniques. 

Desirable criteria in image analysis and processing.

10.   Experience delivering training and workshops. 

11.   Experience of microscopy/imaging in a research environment.  

12.    Experience in image analysis and processing.