Job Information
Harvard University Lecturer of Cell Biology and Director of the Core for Imaging Technology & Education (CITE) in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Details
Title Lecturer of Cell Biology and Director of the Core for Imaging Technology & Education (CITE)
School Harvard Medical School
Department/Area *
Position Description
The Department of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School ( HMS ) seeks an accomplished and collaborative scientist to serve as Lecturer of Cell Biology and Director of the Core for Imaging Technology & Education ( CITE ). The successful candidate will lead a state-of-the-art light microscopy core facility that provides advanced imaging expertise, training, and strategic scientific support to the HMS research community.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership, Training, and Research Support
Provide expert consultation and training to faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students on experimental design, sample preparation, acquisition strategies, quantitative imaging, data validation, and image analysis
Advise on imaging approaches across a wide range of biological and biomedical applications and specimen types, from single molecules to whole organisms
Stay current with advances in imaging and image analysis, and apply this knowledge to consultations and training offered by the core
Offer ongoing support to trained core users, including guidance as experiments evolve, troubleshooting, and interpretation of imaging data
Work to enhance rigor, reproducibility, and best practices in imaging experiments performed in the core
Support grant applications by advising on experimental design and providing expert letters of support
Classroom & Online Education
Design and deliver workshops on light microscopy theory, modern and emerging quantitative imaging techniques, and image analysis best practice for trainees and research scientists
Develop and contribute lectures and laboratory modules to HMS graduate programs
Create educational resources that promote technical rigor and experimental best practices in imaging experiments
Stay current with advances in imaging and image analysis, and translate relevant new methods into educational offerings for the local research community
Director of CITE
Direct operation and strategic development of a 16-instrument light microscopy facility, including widefield fluorescence, spinning disk confocal, laser scanning confocal, total internal reflection fluorescence ( TIRF ), light sheet (diSPIM & lattice) and 3D structured illumination microscopy ( SIM ) systems
Evaluate and implement new technologies and instruments in the core, to maintain cutting-edge capabilities
Oversee maintenance and optimization of both commercial and custom-built imaging platforms
Serve as primary liaison with external microscope vendors to oversee system installation, performance optimization, maintenance, and technical issue resolution
Personnel & Mentorship
- Recruit, supervise, and mentor core facility staff
Administration & Compliance
Ensure compliance with institutional and environmental health and safety regulations
Manage facility operations, budgeting, financial planning, and reporting
Oversee scheduling, billing, and user access systems
Strategic Development
Lead preparation of shared instrumentation and equipment grant proposals
Contribute to long-term planning for core growth and scientific impact
Salary and Benefits
This position is salaried and benefits eligible.
Annual Salary Range: $125,000 – $175,000
With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers ( HAW ) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.
Basic Qualifications
PhD in biology, physics, or a related discipline
Minimum 10 years of experience performing light microscopy experiments
Minimum 10 years of experience in advanced microscopy systems including widefield fluorescence, spinning disk confocal, laser scanning confocal, TIRF , structured illumination microscopy, and light sheet microscopy
Minimum 5 years of experience working with custom-built systems imaging systems.
Minimum 10 years of experience with commercial and open-source image acquisition and analysis software
Core facility or shared instrumentation environments
Demonstrated experience with quantitative microscopy applications including live specimen imaging, ratiometric imaging, spectral imaging, FRET , FRAP and single molecule tracking
Expertise in NIS -Elements for acquisition and analysis, MicroManager for microscope control, FIJI for image processing, and Python for scripting and automation
Demonstrated experience teaching light microscopy and/or image analysis to PhD-level research scientists in a formal classroom setting
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Experience organizing microscopy and image analysis workshops and courses.
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Required documents:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Note with names and contact information for three people who have agreed to serve as your reference
Please submit application documents through the ARIeS portal. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews.
Expected Dates
Start date: The position is expected to start on or around June 1, 2026 with some flexibility.
Duration: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position.
Contact Information
CITE Search Committee
HMS – Dept. of Cell Biology
240 Longwood Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
Contact Email cbsearch@hms.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$125,000 – $175,000 Annually
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Allowed 3
Keywords
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
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Supplemental Questions