Microscopy Innovation Centre - Deputy Manager

Job description

We have a vacancy in the Research Management & Innovation Directorate of King’s College London for the role of Microscopy Innovation Centre Deputy Manager.  

The MIC is a central science facility enabling bespoke, specialist optical microscopy instruments developed at King’s used by, and further developed for, researchers across our biological and health research communities.   

The purpose of the role is to support in the operations, maintenance and ongoing development of the Centre. The successful applicant will work closely with the Scientific Director and Manager to support operational activities, providing expert training/support to new and existing facility users, and the optimisation of developmental microscopy systems and data analysis software.  

This role works closely with researchers from our biological and health research communities, helping to strengthen their knowledge of state-of-the-art optical microscopy techniques and assisting in the development of new applications for specific research areas and questions. Significant experience of running and troubleshooting developmental microscope systems and image data analysis pipelines is required and some prior experience in microscope development is desirable.  

The role would suite an organised, detail orientated individual who can manage their own workload and problem solve effectively. Excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills are essential. This role offers opportunities for development and growth and the Centre is committed to supporting staff to reach their career aspirations.  

The MIC is based at the Guys Campus but travel to other King’s campuses may be required as the MIC portfolio develops. 

 This post is full time and offered on a 16-month contract

Key responsibilities

• Support the MIC Manager in the efficient running of the Microscopy Innovation Centre (MIC), supporting operations and maintaining a high standard of service and quality, ensuring effective usage of all equipment. 
• Support the MIC Manager in the promotion of biological application of complex, developmental microscope systems to a range of users and potential users across the King’s research community.
• Contributing to delivery of a high-quality service to users including planning and running projects and studies with, and for, users, and set-up and troubleshooting of user experiments and data analysis.
• Developing and maintaining a network of scientific collaborators (academic, commercial partners, and through professional bodies) to identify new equipment, methods and applications relevant to the Centre and its users.  
• Undertaking advanced technical problem solving to identify and resolve problems in sample preparation, imaging or analysis, and where necessary liaising with colleagues and equipment manufacturers to find and implement solutions.  
• Supporting users in the analysis and interpretation of research data, to help users draw conclusions from the outcomes of their experiments.
• Assisting in preparation of progress and management reports (covering users, training, income/funding and related publications) on the performance of the Centre. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge in microscopy to ensure a good foundation for providing technical expertise in microscopy experimental methods and advice in microscopy sample prep, image acquisition and analysis. 
• Work collaboratively with the MIC Manager and the RMID Health & Safety Manager to ensure the facility operates within the required H&S protocols. Adhering to COSHH, maintaining appropriate records and producing documentation such as risk assessments, standard operating procedures, protocols and guidelines.
• Provide logistical, technical and scientific support to external users for EuroBioimaging projects being undertaken in the MIC. 
• Contribute to events within King’s to publicise and promote the MIC in consultation with the MIC Manager and Strategic Advisory Board. Represent the MIC in internal and external meetings, and in place of the Manager, when required. 
• Contribute to MIC Strategic Advisory Board meetings and liaise with members for the support of the Centre. 
• Manager facility communication, using a range of channels, presenting   information clearly to users, senior managers and the Centre’s steering group.   
• Plan and prioritise own work, considering the needs of the Centre and its users. This will include prioritising user training and access, scheduling any maintenance of systems within the Centre, planning and preparing seminars or workshops, assisting users with experimental design and image analysis. 
• Contribute to KCL student teaching/training as part of MIC workshops. 

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. Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant scientific subject.  
2. Significant knowledge and practical experience of constructing, running and troubleshooting developmental microscope systems. 
3. Knowledge and practical experience in application of advanced microscopy to biological samples, including image data processing and analysis. 
4. Good research track record in own research area relevant to the post (ideally at the interface between the physical and biological sciences).  
5. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with both the physical and biological sciences research communities. 
6. Effective relationship-building and stakeholder management skills within a complex organisation and with a range of colleagues including academic, clinical and professional services. 
7. Ability to manage change, both personally and as part of a developing team; adopting a flexible approach to design, development and delivery of scientific services.   
8. Ability to work independently with limited advice and direction from senior colleagues including planning and prioritise own workload. 
9. Enthusiasm for instrument and applications development and commitment to giving good advice and technical support to users, adopting a customer-led service approach. 
10. Commitment to diversity and inclusion and alignment with Kings’ Guiding Principles. 

Desirable criteria

1. PhD in physics/biophysics. 
2. Experience of working in a microscopy facility or equivalent.