Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.
Job Description
Job Summary:
Independently execute a range of complex scientific research activities in a core facility including planning and optimizing research, designing analysis algorithms, and providing training to researchers.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
The Harvard Center for Biological Imaging (HCBI) seeks a full-time Imaging Scientist (light microscopy) to assist with operations in one of the world’s premier light microscopy facilities. The HCBI currently supports 29 microscopes and sample preparation instruments and extensive data storage and analysis infrastructure. This position supports equipment at multiple Harvard campus sites, including the HCBI Main Lab, Live Cell Imaging Core, and the Cryo-EM Center in Cambridge, and the Optical Imaging Core in Allston. Nearly 800 users from Harvard, local research hospitals, other academic institutions and industry use the facility and praise its "Evergreen" nature whereby most equipment is replaced every three years through leasing agreements with vendors. This program ensures users always have access to cutting-edge instruments including confocal, multi-photon, super-resolution (lattice SIM, 3D SMLM, ISM), lightsheet, TIRF, whole slide scanning, high content screening, live cell imaging, macroscopy, laser microdissection, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), vitrification, cryo-EM and tissue clearing. This position will primarily support light microscopy and sample preparation equipment.
The Imaging Scientist will serve as an advisor to HCBI users regarding experimental design and image analysis, a primary contact for new user training for both basic and advanced light microscopy techniques, and a point of contact for questions arising from the use of HCBI imaging systems. The Imaging Specialist will assist with ongoing maintenance, upgrades, repairs and customizations of microscopes, in addition to performing monitoring and troubleshooting (of software and hardware) and serving as a biological safety officer. The Imaging Scientist will be a key member of the HCBI’s educational team and will participate in teaching activities at Lunch and Learn lectures and specialized microscopy workshops.
Working Conditions:
- This position is based fully on campus in Cambridge, MA and does not offer remote flexibility.
- May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, primary tissue, cell lines or infectious materials
- May work in a research environment where animals are present
- May be exposed to toxic, radioactive, or carcinogenic materials including compressed gases, acids, solvents, vacuum pump oils, and other chemicals
Physical Requirements:
- Lifting, bending, and working in confined space is sometimes required
- Standing and/or sitting for extended periods is often required
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (required):
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience; OR
- A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Qualifications (preferred):
- A curiosity driven desire for scientific knowledge
- A commitment to continuous microscope skill development
- A strong desire to help other researchers achieve their scientific goals
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in the English language
- An MA or PhD in STEM is an asset.
Additional Information
- This position is a 2 year term appointment from the date of hire with renewal contingent upon funding and performance.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal and Reference checks required.
- Other Information: We will be accepting applications through Sept 30, 2026 or until the position is filled.
- All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
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