King's College London

About us

King’s College London is a world-renowned university with a mission to make the world a better place through outstanding education, research, and service. The Microscopy Innovation Centre (MIC) is based within the Research Management & Innovation Directorate and is a specialist core facility supporting cutting-edge research through advanced optical microscopy. In addition to expert user support, the centre plays a key role in driving technological development and innovation in fluorescence imaging.

Joining this team means working at the forefront of microscopy in a collaborative, research-driven environment, enabling scientific discovery across disciplines in one of the UK’s leading research institutions. You will also be part of a broader, vibrant Research Technical Professional community within the central Research Platforms team.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join the Microscopy Innovation Centre (MIC) as an Optical Microscopy Specialist / Deputy Manager. This position plays a central role in maintaining the technical excellence of the facility and driving innovation and development in advanced optical microscopy. You will support a wide range of imaging applications by ensuring the Centre’s high-end commercial systems and bespoke in-house development platforms remain at the forefront of current technology. This includes providing expert advice, hands-on technical support, and training to researchers, as well as contributing to the design and implementation of novel imaging solutions in collaboration with academic groups.

You will work closely with the Facility Manager to support the day-to-day operations of the Centre and contribute to its strategic planning and future development. This will involve helping shape service provision, identifying emerging technologies and opportunities, and enhancing the facility’s engagement with its user base. You will also contribute to long-term goals around sustainability, innovation, and collaborative growth within the research community.

The role requires a strong background in optical microscopy or a related field, with experience developing and using advanced imaging systems. A solutions-oriented mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment are essential.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) based at the Guy’s Campus, and you will be offered an indefinite  contract.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1.      Post-graduate degree, preferably in physics, life-sciences or other relevant disciplines. PhD qualified in relevant subject area.

2.      Extensive hands-on expertise in a wide range of advanced optical microscopy techniques for biological research, such as confocal, FLIM/FRET, multi-photon and super-resolution imaging.

3.      Good track-record of high-impact work within development of optical microscopy systems, and a strong foundation within fundamental optics and optical design.

4.      Knowledge/familiarity with different biological sample types as well as sample preparation techniques such as fluorescence labelling strategies and clearing/expansion techniques.

5.      Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with a variety of researchers in a collaborative environment. Demonstrated ability to train users of different levels on microscopy instrumentation and concepts.

6.      Good track record of contributing to technology development or innovation in microscopy or a related technical field as well as troubleshooting and maintaining complex optical systems.

7.      Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a solutions-oriented approach to complex technical challenges.

8.      Strong organisational, planning and multi-tasking skills, with experience coordinating technical operations or supporting service delivery.

Desirable criteria

1       Experience with Abbelight and/or Leica Stellaris systems, related workflows and sample preparation techniques, with a specific emphasis on familiarity with SMLM sample preparation and analysis and LAS X software.

2       Experience programming and developing microscopy-related software tools and hardware control (Python, C, C++ etc.)

3       Familiarity with emerging trends in imaging technology and a demonstrated interest in continued professional development.

4.      Experience working in a microscopy facility environment

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.