Posting DetailsPosting Details
Job # 042002
Department Code 20301-6040
Department Office of the Vice President for Research
Job Title Technical Director
Location Syracuse, NY
Pay Range $90,000 - $100,000
Pay Determination Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S5
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours Standard University business hours.
8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Campus Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description The Technical Director of Optical Microscopy oversees the technical operations of the Blatt BioImaging Center, ensuring high-quality support for internal and external researchers. This role involves managing access to core microscopy instrumentation, training users, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced imaging equipment, and guiding experimental design and data analysis. The Technical Director also leads outreach and promotional efforts, collaborates on research and teaching, and contributes to strategic planning, including equipment acquisition and rate setting. A deep expertise in optical microscopy and a commitment to fostering a collaborative research environment are essential.
Education and Experience - Masters degree in relevant scientific area (biology, materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering) required.
- PhD in relevant scientific area preferred.
- Five (5) plus years of experience in a similar laboratory environment required.
Skills and Knowledge - Strong attention to detail and high level of discretion and confidentiality required.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, work well with others in a collaborative environment, and exhibit high levels of professionalism and respect.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and specialized software for scientific instruments.
- Knowledge of university policies, practices, and procedures, to include financial systems, purchasing, and environmental health and safety.
- Knowledge of federal guidelines and policies for sponsored research.
- Broad knowledge base in cell biology, microbiology, and related fields.
- Deep expertise in optical microscopy and state-of-the-art instrumental techniques in the field.
- Basic knowledge of plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and mechanical characteristics of facilities and scientific instruments.
Responsibilities - Train researchers to use core equipment independently to obtain required research data.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and faculty on microscopy experimental methods and techniques.
- Administer user registration and authorization processes.
- Advise users on imaging techniques, sample preparation and data analysis and interpretation.
- Maintain accurate usage records, ensure adherence to facility policies, and promote equitable, scheduled access to core instrumentation.
- Develop and distribute training guidelines and standard operating procedures.
- Guide experimental design for microscopy-based research across different fields.
- Run imaging experiments and analyses for internal and external users.
- Maintain and operate scientific equipment in the Blatt Bioimaging Center for users from Syracuse University and externally.
- Verify instrument performance at regular intervals, calibrating, performing maintenance, or repair as needed.
- Diagnose reported instrumentation problems in a timely manner.
- Track instrument downtime and generate usage reports for Research Operations team quarterly.
- Manage the business operations of the recharge center, including user accounts, schedules, invoices, compliance, etc.
- Work with staff from OVPR and the Comptroller's Office to develop recharge rates and perform annual rate reviews.
- Lead the installation of new instruments.
- Promote and advocate for the Bioimaging Center.
- Lead tours of the facility for faculty candidates, prospective students and staff, classes, and potential industry partners as requested.
- Work with other University staff to develop and maintain promotional materials on the website and other relevant venues.
- Collaborate with other core facilities on campus to highlight shared resources.
- Run yearly workshops/open house to promote the core and recruit new users.
- Teach and guest lecture in courses aligned with the Bioimaging Center's mission (maximum 1+1 teaching load). Courses include laboratory-based instruction and require oversight and management of teaching assistants.
- Lead discussions of potential equipment purchases, host onsite or virtual demos for proposed equipment, obtain quotes, and assist with writing and submission of internal and/or external acquisition proposals.
- Maintain and apply expert knowledge in optical microscopy.
- Maintain a working knowledge of relevant scientific or technical literature.
- Collaborate with Bioimaging Center users to apply the results of research and develop new techniques
- Design and execute experiments in support of Bioimaging Center users.
- Process and analyze results and data as needed.
- Write and submit for publication the results of the above work as requested and appropriate for the field of study.
- Other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment Not Applicable
Application Instructions In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University's 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University's contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110009
Job Posting Date 07/02/2025
Application DeadlineFull Consideration ByJob Category Staff
Message to Applicants
