RSCH Core Facilities

The Advanced Light Microscopy Core (ALMC) is currently seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Senior Research Specialist. This position is vital to support the expanding range of instrumentation and technologies within our core facility and to meet the growing demands of our clients.

In FY2023, the ALMC served a diverse community of 182 researchers from the labs of 89 Principal Investigators across 27 departments. Our facility maintains and operates 10 complex microscopy setups, 4 microtomes, and 4 commercial image analysis and processing software programs. Additionally, we provide training to new users and offer assisted instrument use services to clients for a fee.

As part of our team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our facility. Your responsibilities will include:

• Supervising and training users, including faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate and undergraduate students, in the use of microtomy and light microscopy instruments.
• Preparing instruments for client use and ensuring they are in optimal condition.
• Performing microtomy of paraffin- and resin-embedded, frozen, and fresh samples for light microscopy on a fee-for-service basis.
• Assisting users with microscopy imaging and troubleshooting.
• Conducting periodic quality assessments of microscopes using established protocols.
• Developing new imaging and tissue clearing protocols to enhance our services.
• Performing optical clearing of animal and plant samples as a service.
• Managing administrative tasks such as preparing monthly billing statements, maintaining inventory, and ordering supplies under supervision.

Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills : leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to the university values.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Experience working in a biology, microscopy- or histology-oriented research laboratory
Master Degree in biology

Salary Range: $52,000 - $57,000 per year

Grade: GGS-9E

University Title: Senior Research Specialist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

CV, Cover Letter and Application

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.