Advanced Electron Microscopy Specialist

**Introduction**:
WIMR is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes located at the heart of the Westmead Health Precinct, designated as the lighthouse precinct for Biomedical technology by the NSW Government. WIMR is an independent medical research institute governed by a Board. It is a multi-disciplinary institute with research in:

- Infection and Immunity
- Cancer
- Liver and Metabolic
- Neuroscience and Vision
- Cardiorespiratory

Closely affiliated with the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, the Institute’s research extends from the laboratory to the patient using the basic tools of molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, imaging technology and clinical research.

Biomedical research in the Institute extends into clinical research programs across a wide range of disciplines which may interface with the many clinical trials in progress at any one time. This “bench to bedside” approach enables greater translation of research from biomedical discovery to the development of new prevention strategies, diagnostics and more effective treatments.

**Description**:
Reporting to the Westmead Cytometry & Imaging Manager (WCIM), the Advanced Electron Microscopy Specialist position provides professional coordination and oversight in conjunction with the WCIM for the electron microscopy (EM) platform’s technical capabilities and operations. The role provides advanced scientific support, advice and technical guidance to users to enable scientific research goals to be advanced.

The core scientific platforms represent a centre of excellence within the Westmead Hub and includes: Genomics; Proteomics; Histology; Flow Cytometry; Cell Imaging; Bioinformatics; Biomedical Proteomics, Advanced Microscopy and EM. They provide a safe, welcoming, collaborative, support oriented environment where scientific research goals can be further advanced and important discoveries pioneered.

Major Responsibilities

Work with technical equipment and instrumentation to support availability, quality control and access for researchers (internal, affiliates & commercial) to the WRH EM shared resource laboratory. These tasks may include:
Preparation, set-up, calibration and configuration of equipment and instruments
Maintenance and service
Troubleshooting and support
Consumables management
Oversight of data management and backups
Processing and imaging of samples

Provide technical support and scientific services to support research to be conducted through the Westmead Research Hub.
Work with PPMS and other relevant systems in the administration, documentation, booking, compliance and auditing of projects.
Report on the progress of projects, as well as problems and ensure efficient operation of the technical side of the EM facility.
Prepare reports as needed to assist in implementing changes to the facility or in reporting core facility utilisation/efficiency.
Participate in the delivery of training in the operation of laboratory equipment, instruments, systems and techniques to help staff and researchers work safely and effectively including (but not limited to):
Induction to the technical area
New users and refresher training
Emergency evacuation procedures
Specific software, data processing, storage and analysis requirements
WHS and SWP policies, procedures, and compliance

Maintenance of work areas and supplies.
Collaboration with other advanced specialists, bioinformaticians and researchers to develop and implement novel techniques and/or workflows including analysis pipelines.
Maintain a repository for core facility protocols / techniques / and specific technical knowledge.
Develop and maintain manuals and associated documentation including Standard Operating Procedures.
Provide guidance and input into experimental design and data analysis requirements for grant proposals.
Comply with the Institute’s Code of Conduct, policies and procedures.
Obtain objectives and performance measures set for the role and participate positively in performance and development reviews.
Demonstrate a genuine commitment to safety by taking reasonable care and cooperating with actions taken to protect the health and safety of all stakeholders.
Other duties as assigned - Perform work activities relevant to the role’s key accountabilities as approved by the manager. This includes the provision of services currently being rolled out to researchers.
The role may require cross training in other technologies and assisting in other core facilities part of the Westmead Research Hub as required to facilitate the efficient delivery of services/instrument access as required.
Perform work activities relevant to the role’s key accountabilities and the Scientific Platform Objectives as approved by the WCIEMM.

**Skills and Experiences**:
**To be successful in this role, the following are desirable**:
Experience
- Tertiary qualifications of at least a bachelor’s degree in Science or an equivalent recognised qualification.

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