Senior Microscopist

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience
• Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $104,616.68 - $113,920.12 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

Join the Institute for Molecular Bioscience’s Advanced Microscopy Platform as our next Senior Microscopist, where you’ll work in a highly collaborative team driving cutting-edge imaging research. In this hands-on specialist role, you’ll operate, maintain and optimise our advanced optical, fluorescence and confocal systems while delivering high-quality research support, user training and equipment quality control.

Working closely with academic, industry and commercial partners, you’ll contribute across the full imaging pipeline, from experimental design and sample preparation through to image acquisition, bespoke analysis workflows and publication-ready outputs.

You’ll also help uplift capability across the research community by developing and delivering engaging training programs, seminars and workshops. The role includes supporting key operational and IT functions such as data management and facility management systems (e.g., PPMS, VDI and acquisition PCs).

If you’re passionate about cutting-edge imaging and enjoy working in a collaborative research environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide high-level expertise in optical microscopy to optimise, maintain and troubleshoot advanced fluorescence and confocal imaging systems.
• Design and implement bespoke image analysis pipelines using open-source and commercial software in collaboration with researchers.
• Ensure safe, efficient and reliable operation of facility instrumentation and associated IT infrastructure with a high level of autonomy.
• Develop and deliver individual and group training in advanced microscopy, image acquisition, visualisation and analysis.
• Provide expert application support across experimental workflows, including sample preparation, labelling/staining and imaging strategies for standard and advanced techniques (e.g., FRAP, FRET, FLIM, FCS, TIRF, STED, AiryScan).
• Guide researchers in selecting appropriate imaging approaches to achieve robust, reproducible and quantitative results.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with users, collaborators, commercial partners and vendors; lead one or more advanced imaging modalities and contribute to community engagement through conferences and adoption of emerging technologies.
• Perform facility operational tasks, including general maintenance, PC2 laboratory work, asset management (stocktaking, tagging, ordering), record-keeping (training, usage, charges), and assisting with managing casual cleaning staff and external consultants.

About You

Essential

• Degree in a biological or biomedical field (or related discipline) with at least four years of extensive relevant experience in biological optical microscopy/imaging, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education/training. Postgraduate qualifications or progress toward postgraduate study are highly regarded.
• Demonstrated high-level expertise in operating, maintaining and optimising advanced optical microscopy systems (fluorescence and confocal), with strong understanding of imaging theory and application.
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot complex instrumentation issues and ensure safe, reliable operation of microscopy equipment and associated IT systems, alongside providing expert support in experimental design, sample preparation, labelling/staining and imaging workflows across biological applications.
• Demonstrated proficiency in image analysis, including developing and implementing bespoke pipelines using open-source and commercial software (e.g. Fiji, Python, Imaris).
• Extensive experience delivering high-quality microscopy training through one-on-one instruction and group workshops.
• Strong track record of effective research collaboration, contributing to experimental design, data interpretation and publication-ready outputs.
• High-level organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work independently or collaboratively and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgement and autonomy in managing competing priorities within a complex, service-focused research environment.
• Evidence of broader scientific engagement, including conference presentations, contributions to publications and participation in microscopy-related professional networks.

Desirable

• Experience working within a core facility or shared research infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more advanced imaging modalities (e.g. FLIM, 2-photon, TIRF, STED Airyscan or similar).
• Windows Server & professional operating system management, Drupal or similar web-development experience, python and/or others scripting/coding languages
• Experience in evaluating, implementing or supporting new technologies and or engagement with vendors

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Applications close Sunday 19 April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63017).