The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a:

Microscopy Specialist (0.8-1 fte)
Vacancy number: 15091

The institute of Biology Leiden is looking for a person with an affinity for microscopy and a solution-driven approach to problems. Do you like supporting people in their research, in particular in microscopic techniques, and are you able to work together with anyone, and provide them with creative ideas on how to do their experiments? If you are such a person, you may be the perfect addition to our team.

Description
The Microscopy Unit of the IBL houses, maintains and coordinates most of the microscopy equipment of the institute. The available equipment ranges from conventional light and fluorescence microscopes, to confocal laser scanning and electron microscopes. In addition, infrastructure is available for histology, including embedding, sectioning and staining. We offer support in automated image analysis for microscopy data. The IBL Microscopy unit is part of the Leiden Cell Observatory, the microscopy center of the Faculty of Science. The microscopy specialist will mainly work in the IBL Microscopy Unit, but on all fronts you will be collaborating with colleagues at the Cell Observatory.

From molecule, to cell, to organism. Research carried out at at IBL is about visualizing the building blocks of life. The aim is to understand these processes at all levels including molecular, cellular and the organismal. As a result, the studies carried out at the IBL microscopy unit make use of various microscopes and imaging methods. Research is also carried out to develop novel imaging methods, study plant, animal, and bacterial development as well as developing new dyes for fluorescence microscopy.

Key responsibilities

• Training people how to use the microscopy equipment(ranging from Stereo to Confocal to Electron microscopy)
• Training people in sample preparation and help them with sample preparation
• Giving advice to students, PhD students, PostDocs and other staff on how to set-up and conduct their microscopy experiments
• Maintaining contact with microscopy vendors for maintenance and purchasing of equipment
• Keeping up to date with microscopic developments and test new equipment
• Helping coordinate and teach in a microscopy course for both bachelor students as well as PhD students and postDocs

Selection Criteria

• BSc degree (HBO or university) in biology or related field
• Experience and affinity with microscopy
• English proficiency (at least level B2)
• Team player who can work together with anyone
• Affinity with programming and data analysis is preferred
  

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2300 {see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen} staff and almost 5000 {see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen} students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and https://workingat.leiden.edu/

The Institute for Biology
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity.

Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time, 1 year term position, possibility of a permanent position after one year based on need, funding and performance. Salary range from € 2.693,- to € 4.103,- gross per month (pay scale 7-8 with the opportunity to grow to scale 10, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Joost Willemse (jwillemse@biology.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman (HR@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• CV
• Motivation letter

Only applications received before 15 September 2024 can be considered.