Senior Microscopist and Facility Manager

About the Job

Interview Date: 13 or 15 May 2026 (TBC)

The University of Northampton seeks to appoint a Senior Microscopist and Facility Manager to lead the operation, strategic development, and long-term sustainability of its new advanced imaging facility. The post holder will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the facility, delivering expert technical support, advice, and training in advanced microscopy to a diverse user base including academic staff, students, and external partners. An emphasis is placed on laser scanning and spinning disk confocal microscopy, with additional responsibility for developing capability and best practice in complementary techniques, including scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry where applicable.

The post involves maintaining, troubleshooting, and overseeing the full lifecycle of imaging equipment; developing and implementing standard operating procedures; ensuring robust health and safety, quality assurance, and compliance; and advising on data acquisition, analysis, management, and storage workflows. The post holder will support the integration of advanced microscopy into teaching and learning activities, including practical classes, demonstrations and student research projects, and will contribute as appropriate to grant applications, publications and high-value equipment bids. In addition, the post includes supporting financial and operational sustainability through budget oversight, cost-recovery models, income generation and reporting to funders, as well as representing the facility and University at internal and external meetings.

The post holder will be expected to supervise and mentor technical staff, demonstrators, and students, build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and engage in continuous professional development to maintain and enhance technical, leadership, and teaching or research expertise.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

Informal inquiries can be made to Prof. Karen Anthony: karen.anthony@northampton.ac.uk

About You

You will have an academic background in a relevant scientific discipline, supported by a PhD or equivalent professional experience and extensive hands-on expertise in advanced light microscopy for biological applications. This will include in-depth experience with widefield microscopy and laser scanning and/or spinning disk confocal microscopy, alongside an understanding of biological sample preparation, labelling strategies and live-cell imaging workflows.

You will have proven experience working in a microscopy facility or similar shared research environment, with a demonstrable ability to train, support, and advise users with a wide range of experience levels. You will be highly competent in image acquisition, data processing, analysis, and long-term data storage, and able to advise on best-practice computational workflows that support high-quality, reproducible research.

You will bring operational and laboratory management skills, including procurement, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle planning, together with a thorough understanding of health and safety requirements, quality assurance, and standard operating procedures. Experience in managing complex resources, supporting budgets, and contributing to cost-recovery or income-generation models will be advantageous.  

Familiarity with scanning electron microscopy, multicolour flow cytometry and associated data analysis software, or a clear willingness and aptitude to develop expertise in these areas, is desirable. You will be an effective communicator with excellent written and oral skills, able to build and maintain productive working relationships with academic, technical, student, and external stakeholders. You will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering a high-quality service in an environment with competing priorities. Experience of contributing to publications, funding bids and teaching or training activities will further support your suitability for this senior technical post.

Qualifications

Essential;

• First degree in a relevant science subject(s)

• PhD in relevant subject area, or equivalent experience

Department

The Northampton Advanced Imaging Facility (NAIF) aligns with the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, and sits within the Faculty of Education, Arts, Science and Technology.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON