Director of the Light Microscopy Facility

The Department of Molecular Biology seeks a Director for the Light Microscopy Facility to oversee all aspects of this critical shared-use core facility. The Light Microscopy Facility supports roughly 300 users from across campus and operates more than a dozen department-owned imaging systems. A designated Nikon Center of Excellence, the facility houses cutting-edge microscopes, including a recently acquired 3D STED system.

The facility provides researchers with advanced imaging capabilities across a diverse range of samples, from molecules and monolayer cells to small organisms (such as fly and zebrafish embryos) and larger tissues and organs (such as tumor tissue or mouse embryos), both live and fixed.

The Director of the Light Microscopy Facility will report to the Department Manager and will be advised by a faculty mentor and the department’s Director of Research Core Facilities. Reporting to the Director are two Research Specialists who help support users by training and troubleshooting. The successful candidate will provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership for the facility, ensuring high-quality training, reliable instrumentation, and strategic planning for current and future imaging needs. This position will be hired at the rank of Professional Specialist.

Responsibilities:

• Training and advising undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, research specialists, and faculty in the operation of facility instruments and associated software.
• Hiring, Training, and Supervising the Senior Research Specialist(s)
• Presenting workshops on basic microscopy principles for prospective and current facility users
• Conducting daily system checks on all microscopes; onboarding users in iLab; approving access to the facility space and instrument active directories.
• Coordinating repair and maintenance of all imaging systems, including communication with vendors and oversight of regular service schedules and contracts.
• Maintaining comprehensive facility records, including user training logs, instrument usage data, service contract documentation, and monthly billing processes.
• Monitoring income and expenses and developing appropriate user fee structures in collaboration with the Department Manager.
• Assisting in strategic planning, including review of vision plans, budget considerations, usage analytics, equipment needs, and long-term facility growth.
• Providing expertise on major equipment acquisitions and emerging imaging technologies; assisting in the preparation of funding requests for new or replacement instruments.

Qualifications Required:

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., molecular biology, biophysics, bioengineering, optical engineering) or an advanced degree with substantial professional experience in advanced light microscopy. Candidates without a PhD, but with an advanced degree, may be considered if they have significant (multiple years) hands-on experience with advanced microscopy applications.
• Extensive hands-on experience with confocal and other high-resolution imaging modalities.
• Demonstrated ability to train and support users with diverse levels of experience.
• Experience with microscope maintenance, troubleshooting, and vendor coordination.
• Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in managing or supporting a shared-use scientific facility
• Background in advanced imaging applications (e.g., STED, multiphoton, lightsheet)
• Experience with iLab or similar facility-management systems
• Supervisory Experience

Applications must be submitted online at and should include: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae , and contact information for three references.

This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.