VIB is a world-leading center in life sciences and biotechnology, known for its excellent technology transfer. Its success is due to a unique blend of basic research and a strong focus on innovation and business. VIB is committed to driving the growth of the life sciences cluster in Flanders.
The VIB Technologies program (https://vibcoreprogram.sites.vib.be/en) is the institute's research infrastructure, offering access to cutting-edge technologies. It comprises 14 core facilities, each with specific technology expertise in the different VIB locations. These facilities support VIB's 1700 researchers with over 120 staff members.
The VIB Bioimaging Core in Ghent is looking for an Electron Microscopy (EM) Expert to support the activities of the EM unit of the Bioimaging Core in Ghent (https://bioimagingcore-gent.sites.vib.be/en). The core offers access, support, consultancy, and training in light- and electron microscope and image processing and analysis. A team of motivated microscopists enables microscopy for the Ghent-based VIB community, in close collaboration with the Leuven-based team. The EM Unit needs an enthusiastic colleague interested in all aspects of electron microscopy and willing to learn technical skills they have not yet mastered.
VIB has several research focus areas, organized in different research centers. The VIB Bioimaging Core in Ghent is hosted by the Center for Inflammation Research (https://www.irc.ugent.be). The successful candidate will join the EM team in supporting users for experimental design, image acquisition, and analysis for scanning electron Microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and volume electron microscopy (vEM) applications, addressing cell and tissue biology. Although previous EM experience is required for this position, it is not expected that the successful candidate arrives as an expert in all these techniques but rather that he / she is motivated to learn new techniques in response to the scientific needs from the local research community.
Main activities
- Perform day-to-day bench work for electron microscopy including receiving samples, and sample preparation for SEM, TEM, CryoEM and vEM.
- Data collection on the SEMs, TEM, CryoEMs and vEMs.
- Discuss experimental setup, including sample preparation, acquisition approaches and image analysis possibilities with users and colleagues.
- Training of users on instruments and in different sample preparation methods.
- Coordinating with colleagues in the Light Microscopy Team and the EM Team to implement Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM) workflows.
- Implementation of EM applications and optimization of workflows.
- Follow-up on ongoing support and development projects in the core.
Profile
- Master or Ph.D. in Biomedical or Biological Sciences or equivalent through experience.
- Experience in electron microscopy applications, and sample preparation, in life science research is required.
- Mindset for supporting and enabling the science of researchers through offering of expertise.
- Technology-minded over independent research-focused
- Team player with strong social, communication and didactic skills.
- Well-organized, structured, and able to autonomously plan and execute tasks.
- Meticulous and self-motivated.
- Can thrive in a fast-evolving environment.
- Good oral and written English skills
- Equipped with patience and resilience.
- The following can be an asset:
- Experience in working in a microscopy core facility.
- Interest/expertise in advanced workflows, such as Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy applications, Structural biology, Volume Electron Microscopy techniques, Cryo sample preservation (high pressure freezing, plunge freezing of samples) etc.
We offer
- Stimulating international work environment in a great team
- Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure
- Open-ended contract
- Career structure for core facility staff
- Competitive salary and benefits
- A broad training program to fulfill growth opportunities in technical and soft skills
How to apply?
Motivated candidates are asked to apply online.
Questions can be directed to [email protected]
A complete application file in English should contain the following documents:
- your cover/motivation letter
- your CV
- 2 references
