Technical Support Specialist - Light Microscopy Core Facility

Part-Time Technical Support Specialist – Light Microscopy Core Facility

Brandeis University 

About the Role

Are you a dependable, curious researcher who loves hands-on lab work and optics? Brandeis University is seeking a Part-Time Technical Support Specialist to join the dynamic Brandeis Light Microscopy Core Facility.

This half-time role focuses on assisted-use imaging—running cutting-edge experiments on behalf of internal Brandeis researchers as well as external academic and industry client partners. Working closely under the direction of the Facility Manager, you will operate world-class instruments, train users, maintain equipment, and support day-to-day facility operations.

Why Join Us?

• Health & Wellness Benefits: Unlike many part-time positions, this 0.5 FTE role is eligible for university health insurance benefits.
• Flexible Scheduling: We value schedule consistency and offer flexibility in structuring your 17.5 hours per week—whether you prefer working a few hours across 5 days or concentrating hours across 2–3 consistent days.
• Professional Growth: Cross-train with our Facility Manager, participate in technical workshops, network with regional imaging communities, develop skills across advanced imaging platforms.

What We Are Looking For (Key Traits)

• Dependability & Rigor: Consistent, reliable performance in sample handling, data management, and instrument care.
• A Growth Mindset: A genuine excitement to learn new microscopy modalities, advanced software workflows, and operational best practices.
• Proven Lab Experience: Comfortable working in a wet lab environment with biological samples.
• Hands-on Microscope Proficiency: Solid practical familiarity with light microscopy instruments and digital image acquisition.

Core Responsibilities

• Assisted-Use Imaging & Data Delivery (35%):
  • Perform assisted-use imaging for external industry, academic, and internal Brandeis researchers.
  • Handle biological samples, operate imaging systems, execute first-pass image processing, and deliver organized, documented data.
  • Maintain precise project records to ensure high-quality results and client satisfaction.
• User Training & Technical Support (25%):
  • Provide consultation, basic-to-intermediate training, and technical support to core users.
  • Demonstrate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) following facility guidelines.
  • Assist users with image acquisition strategies and introductory processing/analysis (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji).
• Instrument Maintenance & Quality Control (20%):
  • Perform routine maintenance, quality control checks, and performance assessments across facility instruments.
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate repairs with instrument manufacturers/service engineers.
  • Maintain SOPs for data quality and reproducibility; assist in supervising student workers.
• Facility Operations & Administration (15%):
  • Manage user booking accounts, process training requests, and track usage data.
  • Maintain operational spreadsheets, inventory, and periodic usage reports.
  • Ensure user compliance with lab safety, risk assessment, and health protocols.
• Outreach & Professional Development (5%):
  • Participate in professional workshops, facility tours, and imaging network events.
  • Support outreach activities for academic and industry users while cross-training on facility systems.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM research field.
• Technical Knowledge: Solid theoretical and practical knowledge of light microscopy, including widefield and confocal imaging.
• Lab Skills: Familiarity with biological sample preparation, image-acquisition strategies, and image analysis software (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji).
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication, teaching, and customer-service orientation to support a diverse user base.
• Core Competencies: Strong problem-solving, organizational skills, attention to research ethics, and data integrity.

Preferred:

• Education: Master’s degree in a STEM research field.
• Advanced Modalities: Hands-on experience with at least one advanced modality (e.g., STED super-resolution, light-sheet, 2-photon, or spinning disk).

Salary: $32,000 – $40,000 annually (for half-time / equivalent to $64k–$80k full-time)

Location: On-site (Waltham, MA)

Benefits: Health Insurance Eligible + standard Brandeis part-time benefits.

Pay Range Disclosure

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").