Overview
Lead Staff Scientist – Optical Microscopy Jobs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
Lead Staff Scientist – Optical Microscopy
Position Summary
The Lead of the Optical Microscopy Unit plays a pivotal role in supporting the Imaging and Characterization Core Lab (IAC) mission at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This position involves providing state-of-the-art optical microscopy expertise and training to users, facilitating high-impact research, and maintaining first-class optical microscopy expertise. The role requires strategic planning, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of innovation and safety.
Major Responsibilities
Serve as the Optical Microscopy Unit Lead, ensuring alignment with KAUST Core labs research and educational objectives.
Develop, implement, and supervise standard operating procedures for various microscopy techniques, including confocal, multiphoton, super-resolution, live cell imaging, light sheet microscopy, FLIM, and conventional/AI confocal image processing.
Oversee biological sample preparation protocols and other lab processes.
Achieve annual key performance indicators (KPIs) agreed upon with Core Labs management, focusing on equipment uptime, budget compliance, and asset management.
Strategically plan resources to maintain cutting-edge instrumentation in areas crucial to KAUST’s mission.
Create opportunities to enhance technical methodologies, expand existing methods, and develop new applications with visible and impactful outcomes in the peer community.
Plan and execute outreach activities to benefit Saudi Arabia, promoting KAUST’s interaction with other institutions within the Kingdom.
Supervise a scientist by setting yearly performance goals to motivate excellence in operations and high-impact research support.
Identify technical training needs for staff and design development plans to foster continuous improvement.
Cultivate a safe environment culture and ensure a safe working environment.
Build and maintain good relationships with stakeholders, fostering collaboration and support.
Personal Requirements
Demonstrable capability in managing a wide population of scientists with diverse technical and cultural backgrounds.
Expertise and strong theoretical background in advanced fluorescence microscopy and related optical microscopy fields, such as STED, STORM, PALM, SIM, Lattice Light Sheet, Digital Lattice Sheet, and/or FLIM.
Proven ability to work closely with researchers from both physical and biological sciences to understand their needs and translate these into advanced optical microscopy solutions.
Demonstrated capability in major project accomplishment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and promote a collaborative work environment.
Qualifications / Experience
A PhD degree with at least 10 years of experience in science, preferably in biological science or biomedical engineering, with a focus on fluorescence microscopy. Proven scientific record in leading research projects, managing teams, and achieving operational excellence.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Research
Industries: Higher Education and Research Services
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Title: Lead Staff Scientist – Optical Microscopy
Company: KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Category: Research/Development (Research Scientist)
