Research Associate I (Microscopy)

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Department: Research, Advanced Optical Microscopy Facility (AOMF)
Reports to: Staff Scientist
Work Model: On-Site
Grade: N0:07
Salary: $69,560 - $86,951 per annum (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Closing Date: October 10, 2024

Job Summary

The Advanced Optical Microscopy Facility (AOMF) at University Health Network is Canada's largest optical microscopy facility. With instruments at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, and the Krembil Research Institute, the AOMF provides researchers with the latest in optical micro-imaging technology for both internal (UHN) users and external users. The AOMF team provides training and support on various instruments and teaches users techniques of optical microscopy ranging from the basics of fluorescence microscopy to advanced super-resolution microscopy, modern live-cell methods and image processing and analysis.

The Microscopy Research Associate develops an expert knowledge of the Advanced Optical Microscopy Facility (AOMF) microscopes as well as the overall operation of the facility. Most of the Research Associate's time is spent at the AOMF's PMCRT (101 College St.) site, but they may occasionally help out at the Krembil, Princess Margaret, or Toronto General sites. Together with the rest of the AOMF team, the Research Associate consults with users as they plan imaging experiments, trains users to operate the microscopes and applies problem-solving skills to assist users with their projects and troubleshoot instrumentation issues. The Research Associate provides users with in-depth advice on the preparation of fixed cells and tissues as well as live cells for optical microscopy. They will also take charge of the AOMF's cell culture infrastructure and will occasionally prepare fixed or live cells or tissues for the AOMF's own imaging work. The Research Associate also assists users in deriving meaningful data from their images using the AOMF's image processing and analysis software (including ImageJ, Huygens, HALO, and Imaris). Furthermore, the Research Associate communicates with the vendors to schedule maintenance sessions, advanced trainings, and upgrades. They may also provide tours of the AOMF to PIs (or other visitors), and meet with PIs to discuss their lab's imaging needs and potential grant applications. As a senior member of the AOMF team, the Research Associate will be expected to continually enhance their microscopy expertise by reading microscopy papers and attending conferences, webinars, product demonstrations, etc. They may help develop courses, presentations, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new instruments or microscopy techniques. Depending on the candidate's aptitude and interests, there are several opportunities available for working on an individual research project.

Duties

• consult with users to help them plan their microscopy experiments
• train users to operate the AOMF microscopes, and support them when they experience problems
• provide expert advice on the preparation of fixed cells and tissues for fluorescence microscopy (fixation, permeabilization, labeling, and mounting)
• provide expert advice on the preparation of live cells for optical microscopy
• manage the AOMF's cell culture infrastructure
• prepare fixed cells/tissues or live cells as needed for the AOMF's own imaging work
• apply problem-solving skills to troubleshoot instrumentation issues
• train and assist users on the AOMF's image processing and analysis software (ImageJ, Huygens deconvolution, HALO, and Imaris)
• communicate with vendors to schedule maintenance sessions, advanced trainings, and upgrades
• provide tours of AOMF to trainees, PIs, or other visitors
• meet with PIs to discuss their lab's imaging needs and potential grant applications
• read microscopy papers and attend conferences, webinars, product demonstrations, etc. to enhance microscopy expertise
• help develop courses, presentations, posters, Standard Operating Procedures for the AOMF's equipment or other optical microscopy techniques

• At minimum, a Master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related field and 2 years of experience is required OR, a Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience
• At least 2 years of experience performing advanced optical microscopy such as confocal, multiphoton, light-sheet, super-resolution, or related techniques.
• Research experience in cell culture and sample preparation is required
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Highly proficient with computers, and able to learn new software
• Strong Proficiency with MS Office software, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Google Docs and Sheets
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.