Lead Staff Scientist - Optical Microscopy

Position Summary

The Lead of the Optical Microscopy Unit plays a pivotal role in supporting the Imaging and Characterization Core Lab (IAC) mission at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This position involves providing state-of-the-art optical microscopy expertise and training to users, facilitating high-impact research, and maintaining first-class optical microscopy expertise. The role requires strategic planning, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of innovation and safety.

Major Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management:
• Serve as the Optical Microscopy Unit Lead, ensuring alignment with KAUST Core labs research and educational objectives.
• Develop, implement, and supervise standard operating procedures for various microscopy techniques, including confocal, multiphoton, super-resolution, live cell imaging, light sheet microscopy, FLIM, and conventional/AI confocal image processing.
• Oversee biological sample preparation protocols and other lab processes.
• Performance and Strategic Planning:
• Achieve annual key performance indicators (KPIs) agreed upon with Core Labs management, focusing on equipment uptime, budget compliance, and asset management.
• Strategically plan resources to maintain cutting-edge instrumentation in areas crucial to KAUST's mission.
• Create opportunities to enhance technical methodologies, expand existing methods, and develop new applications with visible and impactful outcomes in the peer community.
• Outreach:
• Plan and execute outreach activities to benefit Saudi Arabia, promoting KAUST's interaction with other institutions within the Kingdom.
• Team Supervision and Development:
• Supervise a scientist by setting yearly performance goals to motivate excellence in operations and high-impact research support.
• Identify technical training needs for staff and design development plans to foster continuous improvement.
• Safety and Stakeholder Relations:
• Cultivate a safe environment culture and ensure a safe working environment.
• Build and maintain good relationships with stakeholders, fostering collaboration and support.

Personal Requirements

Competencies

• Demonstrable capability in managing a wide population of scientists with diverse technical and cultural backgrounds.
• Expertise and strong theoretical background in advanced fluorescence microscopy and related optical microscopy fields, such as STED, STORM, PALM, SIM, Lattice Light Sheet, Digital Lattice Sheet, and/or FLIM.
• Proven ability to work closely with researchers from both physical and biological sciences to understand their needs and translate these into advanced optical microscopy solutions.
• Demonstrated capability in major project accomplishment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and promote a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications / Experience

A PhD degree with at least 10 years of experience in science, preferably in biological science or biomedical engineering, with a focus on fluorescence microscopy. Proven scientific record in leading research projects, managing teams, and achieving operational excellence.