Director, Advanced Biophotonics Core Facility

The Advanced Biophotonics Core Facility is a state-of-the-art microscopy and imaging facility offering instrumentation access, training and technical expertise to researchers at the Institute.  Serving as a technical expert and functional leader, the Core Director will have responsibility for oversight and execution of a full range of duties supporting the Core Facility operations, providing training and image analysis support to researchers, facilitating experiential learning experiences, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, interfacing with vendors and working with faculty members on proposals to expand the imaging capabilities at Salk.  The individual will also supervise the Core Facility staff.  The Director will be expected to participate in the following: grant writing and identification of funding opportunities, preparation of manuscripts in connection with Salk research groups, training opportunities for researchers including hands-on workshops and seminars.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Core Facility Admin Management:
  • Provide leadership and vision to adhere to Core Facility best practices including daily facility operations, data acquisition & analysis, data management, SOPs, training & education, quality assurance, lab safety, and staffing to ensure proper scientific procedures and systems are implemented and followed by core users and staff.
  • Review and evolve Core Facility services in response to Salk researcher needs and develop/implement intermediate and long-term Ensure department timelines are maintained, and that benchmarks and milestones are met.
  • Responsible for financial activities including monthly billing (internal and external, and development and oversight of Core Facility budget and recharge rates
  • Work with faculty sponsors and executive director to assure optimal reporting and interactions with funding agencies and
• Research Support:
  • Work in partnership with Salk researchers to achieve research goals utilizing state-of-the-art imaging technology platforms including light & electron microscopes including collaborative support for experimental design, selection of appropriate instrumentation for project needs and implementation of new and existing approaches using imaging technologies.
  • Evaluate new techniques and technology as dictated by advances in the field, including organizing equipment demonstrations, to bring new tools and applications to Salk research.
  • Write relevant technical reports and present Core Facility and research work internally and
  • Participate in generation of manuscripts and grant
  • Develop and implement best practices for imaging data retention, transfer, analysis, and storage.
• Institutional Support:
  • Develop and administer teaching/training seminars & workshops pertinent to current or potential Institute research
  • Work with the Salk Office of Technology Development to advance potential intellectual property and discoveries that could be promising candidates for patents and/or licensing for external
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises multiple employees within the Advanced BiophotonicsCore Facility.

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MS and 7+ years or PhD and 4+ years of related progressively complex experience, OR Equivalent combination of education/experience with at least 3 of those years in a lead or management capacity
• Experience with the following microscopy technologies: confocal (fixed and live cell), TIRF, 2-photon, electron (TEM and SEM), super-resolution, spatial transcriptomics and in vivo imaging technologies required.
• Experience with image data acquisition and image analysis software used with popular imaging commercial and open-source platforms (Zeiss, Olympus, Nikon, Oxford Nanoimaging)
• Other skills required: Experience with sample preparation methods for both light and electron microscopy. Experience with electron microscopy image analysis methods.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments; Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

The expected pay range for this position is $120,000 - $155,000 per annum.

Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasionally required to stand.
• Occasionally required to walk or move to a different location.
• Frequently required to sit.
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Continually required to talk or hear.
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasional exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 20lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used:  microscopes and preparative lab equipment.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.