Senior Staff Scientist - Robotic Facility

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Staff Scientist to manage the day-to-day operations of a state-of-the-art robotic facility dedicated to generating, maintaining, and phenotyping human models using advanced microscopy and electrophysiology techniques. The Senior Staff Scientist will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the facility's operations, including managing equipment, scheduling projects, training users, and troubleshooting technical issues. The role also involves collaborating with researchers, developing experimental protocols, and ensuring the facility’s resources are utilized efficiently and effectively. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while managing a critical resource for advancing the understanding of human biology through innovative phenotyping technologies. The ideal candidate will have experience with microscopy, ipsc models and computational skills.

Job Duties

Facility Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operation and maintenance of robotic systems, microscopy platforms, and electrophysiology equipment.
• Ensure the proper functioning and calibration of instruments to maintain high-quality data output.
• Coordinate and schedule facility usage for various research projects, ensuring smooth workflow and minimizing downtime.
• Manage consumables, supplies, and reagents required for experiments.

Technical Expertise and Support

• Provide hands-on technical support for users in operating robotic platforms, microscopy systems (e.g., confocal, fluorescence), and electrophysiology equipment.
• Develop, optimize, and implement experimental protocols tailored to specific research needs.
• Assist in data collection, processing, and interpretation, ensuring accurate and reproducible results.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with equipment and experiments as they arise.

User Training and Collaboration

• Train and supervise new users on protocol design and safety.
• Collaborate with researchers and principal investigators to develop and refine phenotyping strategies for human models.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for facility users, addressing their needs and providing expert advice on experimental design and execution.

Project Management

• Monitor and track ongoing research projects, ensuring timelines and objectives are met.
• Work with researchers to prioritize and manage access to equipment based on project requirements.
• Assist in the preparation of project reports, grant proposals, and publications related to facility operations and research findings.

Facility Development and Optimization

• Stay updated on the latest advancements in microscopy, electrophysiology, and automation technology, implementing improvements to enhance the facility’s capabilities.
• Lead the acquisition of new equipment and the development of new methodologies that align with the research goals of the institution.
• Participate in strategic planning for the growth and expansion of the facility's research scope.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree. Experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Seven years of postdoctoral research experience.

Department Specific Criteria

• PhD in Neuroscience/Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Cellular Biology, or a related field, with strong technical expertise in microscopy, electrophysiology, or phenotyping techniques.
• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced microscopy techniques (e.g., confocal, live-cell imaging) and electrophysiological methods (e.g., patch-clamp, multi-electrode arrays).
• Experience with robotic systems and automated platforms for high-throughput phenotyping is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and collaborate effectively with researchers from diverse backgrounds.
• Proven project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in computational data analysis and familiarity with software platforms for image and electrophysiological data processing.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics, AI-driven phenotyping, or related technologies is a plus.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.