Staff Scientist – Electron Microscopy wanted immediately: APPLY NOW
Vacancy Details
Employer: Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University
Central Analytical Facilities
Staff Scientist: Electron Microscopy
(Ref. SAF/266/0919)
The Central Analytical Facility (CAF) at Stellenbosch University
www.sun.ac.za/caf is a rather unique comprehensive core facility that employs approximately 40 members of staff supporting a wide range of analytical facilities. The aim of the CAF is to ensure optimal utilization of expensive multi-user research equipment in the service of the research community at Stellenbosch University, and the South African research and development sector in general.
The Electron Microscopy (EM) Unit of CAF houses state-of-the-art EM equipment, including a Zeiss Merlin FESEM with S-TEM, EDS, CL, SE, BSE and cryo capabilities, a Zeiss EVO MA15 analytical SEM which includes EDS, WDS, SE, BSE and a cryo stage, a LEO Variable Pressure-SEM which includes SE, BSE and CL detectors, as well as a state-of-the-art ThermoScientific Apreo Volumescope with in situ ultramicrotome for 3D imaging. Additionally, we house a Zeiss Axioimager with Zeiss’s Shuttle-and-Find system for correlative imaging of light and electron microscopy (CLEM). The Unit operates laboratories on both the Stellenbosch Campus and the Tygerberg (medical) Campus of the University.
This recruitment seeks to appoint a manager for the CAF EM Unit. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in managing EM facilities in support of research and will have proven experience in analytical electron microscopy, including the analysis of either or both biological materials and hard materials. The incumbent will have a publication record reflecting experience in one or more of the EM modalities that are important to Stellenbosch University. These are CL imaging of minerals; EDS analysis of synthetic and natural minerals; WDS analysis of synthetic and natural minerals; SE imaging and particle/fibre size and morphology characterization; STEM imaging; 3D serial block-face imaging; BSE imaging of compositional variation; Chemical mapping; CLEM. This person will have the necessary scientific vision to plan the future expansion of services of the facility.
They will have the necessary technical experience to drive successful competitive grant applications for new equipment. They will have excellent interpersonal skills so as to be able to manage the staff of the unit and the training and capacity building activities that the unit performs. Note that the job requirements published below are somewhat below this ideal candidate profile. This is to also cover applications from recent Ph.D. graduates with a less experienced profile, but who are sufficiently outstanding academically that the selection committee might be convinced that they could manage a core facility. If you are a recent Ph.D. graduate with relevant expertise, lots of enthusiasm for electron microscopy and an exceptional accademic record, please consider submitting an application.
Duties:
The incumbent will be responsible for all aspects of the functioning of the EM Unit and the management of its staff, including:
Overseeing the proficient operation of all Electron Microscopes within the EM Unit;
Overseeing correct sample preparation for application in Geological, Engineering, Biological, Materials and Medical Sciences;
Strategic planning of the imaging and analytical functions of the unit so that research at Stellenbosch University is optimally served whilst
accommodating sufficient industry users that the facility functions cost-effectively;
Ensuring the development of key strategic services such as quantitative micro-elemental analysis for major and trace elements in the hard
materials realm and 3D serial block-face imaging in the biological realm;
Ensuring quality control on reports to industry;
Ensuring efficient managing of data storage and user access control;
Planning and developing grant applications for new equipment;
Presenting results at local meetings and national conferences;
Publication of novel methods and findings in accredited journals;
Managing the unit’s training of students in EM operation and application of analytical software;
Ensuring adequate maintenance of electron microscopes and ancillary equipment such as coating and drying apparatus, pumps, water chillers, and UPS systems;
Financial management of the unit to ensure that it operates cost-effectively;
Communicating with service engineers from various manufacturers to ensure efficient maintenance, operation, and training on current and new equipment.
Required Skills
good communication skills
Excellent report writing skills in English
Candidate Requirements
Job Requirements:
MSc or PhD in a relevant field, note that candidates with an MSc qualification will be expected to have at least three years’ experience in the management of SEM facilities;
Experience in the operation of Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and relevant sample preparation for both SEM and TEM;
Relevant research experience in electron microscopy, as evidenced by publications in accredited journals that were a direct result of the applicant’s own work;
Good communication skills;
Expertise in technical aspects of Electron Microscopy;
Expertise in one of more of the key services provided by the unit, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals, i.e. CL imaging of
minerals; EDS analysis of synthetic and natural minerals; WDS analysis of synthetic and natural minerals; SE imaging and particle/fibre size and morphology characterization; STEM imaging; 3D serial block-face imaging; BSE imaging of compositional variation; Chemical
mapping; CLEM;
Enthusiasm for Electron Microscopy;
Excellent communications and report writing skills in English.
Recommendation:
·Bi- or multilingualism in languages relevant to the Stellenbosch research community (South African indigenous languages, German, French,
and Portuguese being most relevant).
Apply before Monday, October 14, 2019 – 10 Days left
Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion.
If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful.
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Source: Careers24
