This position supervises the Biology departments Microscopy and Imaging Facility which includes a laser scanning confocal microscope, a transmission electron microscope, a scanning electron microscope, a wide-field fluorescence microscope with TIRF capabilities, a specimen preparation lab, ultramicrotomes, a flow cytometer, and other essential equipment. Primary responsibilities include monitoring the operation and maintenance of the confocal and electron microscopes and related equipment, assisting in teaching microscopy courses, and maintaining Biology Department light microscopes. This position also assists in the writing of operations and facility management sections for grants.

Education equivalent to Master of Science degree.
Three years of experience operating light and electron microscopes, from sample preparation to imaging.
Understanding of the principles and techniques of light and electron microscopy, ultramicrotomy, vacuum evaporation, critical point drying, sputter-coating and biological specimen preparation, including various methods of fixation, preservation, and dehydration.
Ability to teach principles and techniques of light and electron microscopy to others.
Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and project a positive image.
Familiarity with Fiji/ImageJ and other relevant software, e.g., ZEN, NIS Elements. Familiarity with Photoshop for preparing images for figures.

Education beyond Masters degree.
Two or more years of experience supervising a microscopy facility.
Knowledge of advanced microscopy techniques such as electron cryomicroscopy and immunocytochemistry methods.
Knowledge of the preparation and microscopy of materials science specimens.
Knowledge and experience with FACS operation and analyses.

Responsible for supervising and monitoring the use of the confocal, other light microscopes, the electron microscopes and related ancillary equipment, and the specimen preparation lab.
Routine maintenance on electron microscopes (i.e., checking vacuum systems, checking electrical systems, changing and aligning filaments, and miscellaneous minor repairs).
Routine maintenance of the vacuum evaporator, sputter coater, critical point dryer, and microscopy facility computers.
Routine maintenance of confocal and light microscopes in the microscopy facility (i.e., weekly cleaning of confocal and checking functionality) and departmental microscopes (i.e., annual cleaning and inventory of teaching and research microscopes).
Contact appropriate service personnel as needed (including for contracted Preventive Maintenance visits).
Train faculty, staff, and students in the operation of the Facility microscopes and ancillary equipment (i.e., ultramicrotomes, sputter coater, critical point dryer, and the other preparatory equipment), and in the preparation of samples for the microscopes.
Assist faculty in the training of students to properly use the electron microscopes in our TEM and SEM courses.
Order supplies required to maintain and operate equipment and facilitate service contracts.
Supervise student employees hired to work for the Microscopy Facility.
Assist in the writing of the operation and facility management sections for grants.
Work with the College of Science and Engineering to provide content for the microscopy and imaging facility website.
Work with the Microscopy and Imaging faculty committee to support research and teaching needs.
Assist researchers with image analysis.
Support outreach activities in the microscopy facility.

None.

Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.

We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, masters, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.

CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.

Central is home to 17 mens and womens Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.

CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. Its part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the states largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.

Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the citys central location in Michigans Lower Peninsula.

CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.

Central Michigan University is a place where we value students and work for their success, where we act as family, and where employees are engaged, appreciated and have extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.

We intentionally maintain and strengthen the hallmark CMU culture that sets us apart from our peers by expecting CMU leaders and employees to model the following Leadership Standards and develop them within their teams.

Please review the Leadership Standards before applying for this position.

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering a broadly diverse and inclusive campus that respects all social identities, experiences, and perspectives. In an effort to further this initiative, we are especially interested in candidates who will advance and promote an inclusive and supportive environment for every member of our university community.


You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

This position will remain open until filled. However, the university reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified. For best consideration, please submit application materials before April 14, 2024.