Senior Microscopist and Facility Manager in Northampton

The University of Northampton seeks to appoint a Senior Microscopist and Facility Manager to lead the operation, strategic development, and long‐term sustainability of its new advanced imaging facility. The post holder will have overall responsibility for the day‐to‐day management of the facility, delivering expert technical support, advice, and training in advanced microscopy to a diverse user base including academic staff, students, and external partners.

An emphasis is placed on laser scanning and spinning disk confocal microscopy, with additional responsibility for developing capability and best practice in complementary techniques, including scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry where applicable. The post involves maintaining, troubleshooting, and overseeing the full lifecycle of imaging equipment; developing and implementing standard operating procedures; ensuring robust health and safety, quality assurance, and compliance; and advising on data acquisition, analysis, management, and storage workflows.

The post holder will support the integration of advanced microscopy into teaching and learning activities, including practical classes, demonstrations and student research projects, and will contribute as appropriate to grant applications, publications and high‐value equipment bids. In addition, the post includes supporting financial and operational sustainability through budget oversight, cost‐recovery models, income generation and reporting to funders, as well as representing the facility and University at internal and external meetings.

The post holder will be expected to supervise and mentor technical staff, demonstrators, and students, build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and engage in continuous professional development to maintain and enhance technical, leadership, and teaching or research expertise.

You will have an academic background in a relevant scientific discipline, supported by a PhD or equivalent professional experience and extensive hands‐on expertise in advanced light microscopy for biological applications. This will include in‐depth experience with widefield microscopy and laser scanning and/or spinning disk confocal microscopy, alongside an understanding of biological sample preparation, labelling strategies and live‐cell imaging workflows.

You will have proven experience working in a microscopy facility or similar shared research environment, with a demonstrable ability to train, support, and advise users with a wide range of experience levels. You will be highly competent in image acquisition, data processing, analysis, and long‐term data storage, and able to advise on best‐practice computational workflows that support high‐quality, reproducible research.

You will bring operational and laboratory management skills, including procurement, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle planning, together with a thorough understanding of health and safety requirements, quality assurance, and standard operating procedures. Experience in managing complex resources, supporting budgets, and contributing to cost‐recovery or income‐generation models will be advantageous.

Familiarity with scanning electron microscopy, multicolour flow cytometry and associated data analysis software, or a clear willingness and aptitude to develop expertise in these areas, is desirable. You will be an effective communicator with excellent written and oral skills, able to build and maintain productive working relationships with academic, technical, student, and external stakeholders. You will be highly organised, detail‐oriented, and committed to delivering a high‐quality service in an environment with competing priorities. Experience of contributing to publications, funding bids and teaching or training activities will further support your suitability for this senior technical post.

Qualifications: First degree in a relevant science subject(s), PhD in relevant subject area, or equivalent experience.

Department: The Northampton Advanced Imaging Facility (NAIF) aligns with the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, and sits within the Faculty of Education, Arts, Science and Technology.

Right to Work: All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points‐based immigration system are met.

Equality: We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Commitments Include:

• Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero‐tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
• Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
• Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON's Major Commitments: Disability Confident, Standalone Pledge, IHRA Working Definition.