Scientific Officer Imaging Specialist - Biology

Salary

£33,002.00

We recognise that our people are our biggest asset. We hope you’ll be as excited as we are by what lies ahead. Let's continue our journey. With great on-site facilities and numerous awards in recognition of our achievements within the Professional Services World, we want to continue growing and nurturing our existing staff as we endeavour to take on our next challenges as a University.

This job description is currently not available to view while we review and update content on Workday.
If you need access to the current version, please submit a request to the People Services Team through the Support Portal. If you need to discuss the job description due to updates to the role or for recruitment purposes, please make this clear on your request and a member of the team will be in touch.
Thank you for your patience during this update

Background and Context

This post provides an exciting opportunity to join the rapidly growing Wound Innovation Institute team at the University of Hull (UoH) as a Scientific Officer. You will be based at Castle Hill Hospital in our state-of-the-art research laboratories which have recently undergone a £1M refurbishment programme. The UoH has ambitious plans to significantly develop inter-disciplinary skin and wound research and innovation activity, supported by £16M Research England investment in technology and capabilities, growing our high-quality research and delivering long-term patient benefit. Strategic match support from a consortium of industry partners, will allow us to realise the full potential of this unprecedented opportunity, delivering long-term, transformative impact.  The Wound Innovation Institute vision is to deliver real-world benefit through partnership, innovation and interdisciplinarity ensuring patients are at the heart of everything we do.

Your role (Scientific Officer Imaging Specialist – Biology) is aligned to our recent investment in cutting-edge research equipment. You will oversee the day-to-day operations of our advanced imaging suite, providing training and specialist knowledge on all aspects of sample preparation, imaging and analysis. This role will interface with our histology and genomics team, and will include live cell imaging, confocal and light sheet microscopy and other systems. You will have the opportunity to support a wide portfolio of industry and academic projects.   

The University has a rich history of research and innovation dating back to 1927. Our goal is pursuit of excellence to create a fairer, brighter, and carbon-neutral world, as outlined in our University Strategic Plan 2030. At the UoH, we recognise the inherent value of high-quality research and knowledge exchange, which fosters mutual benefit, learning, and satisfaction. It informs and is informed by our teaching and research, fosters diverse relationships, enhances financial sustainability, enriches the experience and employability of our community, and elevates our stature and reputation.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post

Based in purpose-built UoH Research Laboratories at Castle Hill Hospital with occasional travel to the University campus (10 mins drive) the postholder will oversee the operation and maintenance of the Wound Innovation Institute advanced imaging facilities, including state-of-the-art equipment and software. You will assist both research and enterprise projects, providing technical support to internal and external users as required. This role will involve developing in depth knowledge of imaging modalities, associated image processing, and data analysis, as well as assisting researchers with sample preparation and contributing to the development of imaging protocols. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Operating and maintaining advanced imaging equipment:

You will have oversight of our LSM900 confocal and Blaze light-sheet microscopes, as well as live-cell imaging platforms and Axioscan slide scanner. This will require you to be able to operate complex equipment, troubleshoot and solve problems, and liaise with service engineers and technical specialist to maintain efficient operation. You will sometimes need to work to tight deadlines, delivering projects effectively via collaboration with internal and external partners.  

• Image processing and analysis:

The postholder will oversee data collection and analysis across different imaging platforms. This includes developing software pipelines for quantitative evaluation of a range of parameters at the cell and tissue level.

• Assisting with research projects:

The postholder will be proficient in operating and maintaining imaging equipment and software, support the research and innovation goals of the WIC.  This will include engaging external industry partners, as well as academic research projects.

• Providing technical support:

The postholder will assist users with data analysis, identify problems, troubleshooting and developing solutions to equipment operation, and providing expertise in imaging techniques. This expertise may extend beyond the WIC to support colleagues across the university.

• Safety, mentoring and induction:

The postholder will adhere to safety guidelines and protocols, including proper handling of chemicals and waste disposal, in line with university policies and procedures.  The postholder may also be required to contribute to writing SOP’s, COSHH and Risk Assessments, updating existing policies and procedures as directed by senior colleagues.

• Maintaining and updating imaging facility databases:

The postholder will oversee the organisation and application of imaging data, and associated databased and records. You will develop best practice in data management, transfer and storage.

• Contributing to the development of new imaging techniques:

The postholder will assist with researching new imaging methods and adapting them for use in the WIC.  This includes imaging modalities, data acquisition, and processing methods.  The postholder will be expected to disseminate new methods to the wider user base.

• Ensuring the safety and quality of imaging procedures:

The postholder will at all times adhere to safety protocols, calibration procedures, and quality control measures. This involves updating WIC specific procedures in line with changes in appropriate regulations, protocols and university safety policies.

• Communication and Collaboration:

The postholder will be expected to interact effectively with UoH staff and students, external users, and industry partners.

The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of the role.  The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or due to changing needs in the department.  Candidates should note that there may not be an immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.

Overall Purpose of the Role

• The role holder will provide laboratory support to staff, students and more senior colleagues.
• Practical working knowledge of the systems, processes and procedures across a section or area of work.
• Detailed knowledge of specialist systems and/or a broad understanding of a wide range of activities.
• Knowledge is gained through extensive practical experience and/or through formal instruction.
• Initiative and judgement on how to address and resolve problems with minimal guidance and instructions from senior colleagues.
• Plan and prioritise own work and may be required to supervise the work of others and monitor progress within agreed objectives ensuring the effective use of resources.
• Expected to contribute to longer term developments within the department. such as implementing improvements to working methods, policies and procedures.

Main Work Activities

Communication

• Explain methodologies.
• Discuss improvements to experiments.
• Explain laboratory procedures, technical processes, equipment operation to students and staff.
• Give advice and guidance to staff and students on various laboratory related topics.
• Give advice and assistance with completion of COSHH assessments and ensure that all staff are aware of health and safety legislation.
• Write technical instructions, standard operating procedures and user guides.
• Produce standard reports.
• Maintain COSHH administration and hazard data sheets.

Teamwork

• Provides day-to-day support to other members of staff and members of staff new to the work area.

Liaising and Networking

• Works in collaboration with staff and colleagues to maintain and implement existing services and new initiatives/procedures/processes.
• Liaises with staff and colleagues to ensure that projects are developed and completed satisfactorily.
• Works in collaboration with external organisations.

Service Delivery

• Carry out research experiments.

• Maintain day-to-day running of a research laboratory.

• Provide relevant technical support to undergraduate and postgraduate projects, academic staff and researchers.

Planning and Organisation

• Plan and prioritise own work in order to meet deadlines.

• Plan, prepare, prioritise and organise the space, equipment and materials.

• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment.
• May be required to organise and participate in fieldwork.

Analysis/Data Inputting

• Collate, prepare and analyse data.

• Prepare samples for analysis.

• Use statistical software packages.
• Fault diagnosis on equipment.
• Keep up to date with latest developments/equipment.

Work Environment

• Responsible for Health and Safety practices.
• Monitor and report on health and safety measures and ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.

Teaching and Learning Support

• Plan and deliver practical sessions designed by module leaders to undergraduate students.
• Co-supervise project students.
• Present information to staff and colleagues through practical demonstration.

Additionally the post holder will be required to:

• Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety policies and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within the department. May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on request e.g. Display screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire warden
• Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices This includes undertaking mandatory equality and diversity training
• Comply with University regulations, policies and procedures
• Be an active and supportive citizen of the University community working collaboratively with fellow colleagues across the University to support the delivery of strategically important activity.  Examples include supporting at open/applicant days, graduation or clearing activities.

Competency Specification

To fulfil your role, you will need certain knowledge, skills and competencies. The following competency specification provides a framework within which your performance will be assessed.  The interview assessment may include, for example, testing on IT skills.

The Competencies set out below are essential and are core requirements needed to perform the role:

Knowledge and Experience

Evidence of laboratory imaging experience and ability to demonstrate a high level of technical expertise.

Application/Interview

Has relevant degree in related field or equivalent qualification and/or experience. This may include a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, or biomedical sciences, and experience in imaging research or technology. 

Application/Interview

Has an active approach in continuing professional development/undertaking training as appropriate for personal and professional development.

Application/Interview

Communication (Oral and Written)

Can demonstrate the ability to provide information in a suitable format so that the others’ needs are met and adjusts the level of content to help others understand.

Application/Interview

Teamwork and Motivation

Can demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Is willing to provide cover for colleagues and acts in a supportive manner.

Application/Interview

Liaison and Networking

Can demonstrate the ability to work with others outside the immediate area to ensure that accurate information is passed on promptly to the most appropriate people to improve working practices.

Application/Interview

Service Delivery

Has knowledge and understanding of services available to users of this and related areas of work and ensures that the experience of each customer is positive and satisfactory.

Application/Interview

Planning and Organisation

Can demonstrate the ability to create realistic plans to achieve own deadlines and objectives. Monitors progress of self and/or others and can prioritise tasks/activities effectively.  Suggests ways of improving working practices and use of resources.

Application/Interview

Initiative and Problem Solving

Can demonstrate the ability to use initiative to recognise problems and offer solutions.

Application/Interview

Analysis/Reporting

Can demonstrate the ability to use appropriate sources of data to answer questions, gather data systematically and carry out basic analysis accurately and methodically.

Application/Interview

Sensory and Physical Demands

Can demonstrate the ability to use a range of skills and techniques which demand a high level of co-ordination and precision.

Application/Interview

Work Environment

Can demonstrate the ability to work with others to improve safe working practice and the environment. Ensure that follow up action is taken to remove identified hazards or risks.

Application/Interview

A copy of the full job description can be found here.

If you would like to be part of our future or have any queries, then please get in touch today - [email protected]