Microscopy Research Technician Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Science

The Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) at the University of Groningen has a vacancy for a Microscopy Research Technician (1.0 FTE).

We are looking for a research technician in microscopy who will support research and manage our microscopy (ML1&2) and histology laboratories. The new staff member will be responsible for setup, optimization as well as performance and evaluation of methods and techniques employing epifluorescence, confocal and 2-photon confocal microscopy. Experience with histology techniques and immunostaining is desirable, as well as knowledge and handling of imaging software. The management tasks include microscopy management (including maintenance), ordering of supplies and safety/waste management. In addition, you will be involved in teaching, training and supporting researchers and students. The microscopy technician will work for members of several GELIFES-expertise groups.

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has been our top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University. We offer first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines, from classical disciplines such as mathematics, astronomy and mechanical engineering, to interdisciplinary fields such as artificial intelligence, pharmacy and evolutionary life sciences. Our community has an open and informal character with students and staff from around the world.

The position we offer will be embedded in the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES). GELIFES fills a special niche in the field of life sciences as its research not only covers mechanistic, evolutionary and ecological approaches, but also specifically aims at the integration of these fields that are traditionally studied in isolation. Thus our research provides a better understanding of fundamental biological processes. The institute is coordinating one of the four Faculty strategic themes called Adaptive Life. This programme specifically addresses the growing realization that proximate and ultimate approaches need each other in order to make firm progress in understanding and predicting adaptation in a wide array of systems, requiring an integration of neurological, physiological, behavioural, ecological and evolutionary perspectives.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and independent co-worker who enjoys microscopy research including development of specific protocols , setup and maintenance, as well as lab management, training and research support. The ideal candidate has:

- a HBO degree in biology or relevant field (e.g., molecular biology)
- at minimum one year of practical working experience in a microscopy laboratory
- demonstrated ability to execute working tasks rigorously and efficiently
- demonstrated ability to independently acquire and implement and troubleshoot microscopy protocols, preferably with 2-photon microscopy
- proficiency in microscopy software (e.g. ScanImage, micromanager) and/or scripting languages, such as Python
- experience with student laboratory supervision
- excellent communication skills, including a strong command of written and spoken English.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a salary depending on qualifications and work experience from a minimum € 3,377 gross per month up to a maximum of € 4,640 (salary scale 9) gross per month for a full-time position
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus
- the appointment is for 1 year, with the perspective of prolongation, depending on performance and developments in the organisation.