Light Microscopy Specialist 80 %

Microscopy Imaging Center
Starting date: April 1, 2026, or upon agreement.
Initial two-year contract with the possibility of extension.
The Microscopy Imaging Center (MIC, www.mic.unibe.ch ) is the university core facility supporting researchers from 18 institutes across three faculties. We provide access to state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo light-microscopy technologies, advanced training, and collaborative project support. We are looking for a light microscopy specialist to support core facility users across the MIC institutes as part of our MIC team.

• Provide expert support and consultation to users on all aspects of light-microscopy experiments, including experimental design, sample preparation, image acquisition and analysis.
• Develop and optimize imaging workflows, acquisition protocols, and data-processing pipelines.
• Maintain, calibrate, and monitor the performance of light microscopy systems (wide field, confocal, spinning, multi-photon); perform routine quality-control procedures.
• Train internal and external users on imaging systems and contribute to MIC courses, workshops, and outreach activities.
• Contribute to MIC's research & development projects, including testing new technologies and supporting method implementation.
• Serve as resource administrator in the MIC booking system (OpenIris) and ensure that instrument information is kept up to date.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and user guidelines while supporting efficient facility operations in collaboration with the MIC team.

• PhD or equivalent degree in biology, biophysics, physics, bioengineering or a related life-science discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience with advanced light-microscopy techniques (widefield, confocal, fluorescence; experience with spinning disk or other advanced modalities is an asset).
• Experience with long term automated and/or high-throughput microscopy; ability to write acquisition and analysis protocols (e.g. Nikon NIS JOBS, GA3).
• Solid knowledge of image processing and analysis (e.g. FIJI, Imaris, Napari). Knowledge of CNN-based image analysis tools are a plus.
• Practical experience with sample preparation, particularly for live-cell imaging.
• Service-oriented mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-user core facility environment.
• Excellent command of English; German is an asset.

• A dynamic and international working environment with opportunities for professional development, method implementation, and participation in facility-driven research projects.
• Competitive salary according to cantonal regulations.
• Starting date: April 1, 2026, or upon agreement.
• Initial two-year contract with the possibility of extension.

Please submit your application to Jennifer Sprenger (E-Mail schreiben) until February 1, 2026, as one single PDF file, including:

• Motivation letter,
• Summary of your major achievements in microscopy techniques and experiences in supporting microscopists
• Curriculum vitae, including a publication list
• Contact details of two referees