Part-time Technical Support Specialist

Part-Time Technical Support Specialist – Light Microscopy Core Facility

Brandeis University

About the Role

Are you a dependable, curious researcher who loves hands-on lab work and optics? Brandeis University is seeking a Part-Time Technical Support Specialist to join the dynamic Brandeis Light Microscopy Core Facility.

This half-time role focuses on assisted-use imaging —running cutting-edge experiments on behalf of internal Brandeis researchers as well as external academic and industry client partners. Working closely under the direction of the Facility Manager, you will operate world-class instruments, train users, maintain equipment, and support day-to-day facility operations.

Why Join Us?

• Health & Wellness Benefits: Unlike many part-time positions, this 0.5 FTE role is eligible for university health insurance benefits .
• Flexible Scheduling: We value schedule consistency and offer flexibility in structuring your 17.5 hours per week—whether you prefer working a few hours across 5 days or concentrating hours across 2–3 consistent days .
• Professional Growth: Cross-train with our Facility Manager, participate in technical workshops, network with regional imaging communities, develop skills across advanced imaging platforms.

What We Are Looking For (Key Traits)

• Dependability & Rigor: Consistent, reliable performance in sample handling, data management, and instrument care.
• A Growth Mindset: A genuine excitement to learn new microscopy modalities, advanced software workflows, and operational best practices.
• Proven Lab Experience: Comfortable working in a wet lab environment with biological samples.
• Hands-on Microscope Proficiency: Solid practical familiarity with light microscopy instruments and digital image acquisition.

Core Responsibilities

• Assisted-Use Imaging & Data Delivery (35%):
• Perform assisted-use imaging for external industry, academic, and internal Brandeis researchers.
• Handle biological samples, operate imaging systems, execute first-pass image processing, and deliver organized, documented data.
• Maintain precise project records to ensure high-quality results and client satisfaction.
• User Training & Technical Support (25%):
• Provide consultation, basic-to-intermediate training, and technical support to core users.
• Demonstrate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) following facility guidelines.
• Assist users with image acquisition strategies and introductory processing/analysis (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji).
• Instrument Maintenance & Quality Control (20%):
• Perform routine maintenance, quality control checks, and performance assessments across facility instruments.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate repairs with instrument manufacturers/service engineers.
• Maintain SOPs for data quality and reproducibility; assist in supervising student workers.
• Facility Operations & Administration (15%):
• Manage user booking accounts, process training requests, and track usage data.
• Maintain operational spreadsheets, inventory, and periodic usage reports.
• Ensure user compliance with lab safety, risk assessment, and health protocols.
• Outreach & Professional Development (5%):
• Participate in professional workshops, facility tours, and imaging network events.
• Support outreach activities for academic and industry users while cross-training on facility systems.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM research field.
• Technical Knowledge: Solid theoretical and practical knowledge of light microscopy, including widefield and confocal imaging.
• Lab Skills: Familiarity with biological sample preparation, image-acquisition strategies, and image analysis software (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji).
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication, teaching, and customer-service orientation to support a diverse user base.
• Core Competencies: Strong problem-solving, organizational skills, attention to research ethics, and data integrity.

Preferred:

• Education: Master’s degree in a STEM research field.
• Advanced Modalities: Hands-on experience with at least one advanced modality (e.g., STED super-resolution, light-sheet, 2-photon, or spinning disk).

Salary: $32,000 – $40,000 annually (for half-time / equivalent to $64k–$80k full-time)

Location: On-site (Waltham, MA)

Benefits: Health Insurance Eligible + standard Brandeis part-time benefits.

Pay Range Disclosure

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement