Imaging Scientist

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

Independently execute a range of complex scientific research activities in a core facility including planning and optimizing research, designing analysis algorithms, and providing training to researchers.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Harvard Center for Biological Imaging (HCBI) seeks a full-time Imaging Scientist (light microscopy) to assist with operations in one of the world’s premier light microscopy facilities. The HCBI currently supports 29 microscopes and sample preparation instruments and extensive data storage and analysis infrastructure. This position supports equipment at multiple Harvard campus sites, including the HCBI Main Lab, Live Cell Imaging Core, and the Cryo-EM Center in Cambridge, and the Optical Imaging Core in Allston. Nearly 800 users from Harvard, local research hospitals, other academic institutions and industry use the facility and praise its "Evergreen" nature whereby most equipment is replaced every three years through leasing agreements with vendors. This program ensures users always have access to cutting-edge instruments including confocal, multi-photon, super-resolution (lattice SIM, 3D SMLM, ISM), lightsheet, TIRF, whole slide scanning, high content screening, live cell imaging, macroscopy, laser microdissection, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), vitrification, cryo-EM and tissue clearing. This position will primarily support light microscopy and sample preparation equipment. 

The Imaging Scientist will serve as an advisor to HCBI users regarding experimental design and image analysis, a primary contact for new user training for both basic and advanced light microscopy techniques, and a point of contact for questions arising from the use of HCBI imaging systems. The Imaging Specialist will assist with ongoing maintenance, upgrades, repairs and customizations of microscopes, in addition to performing monitoring and troubleshooting (of software and hardware) and serving as a biological safety officer. The Imaging Scientist will be a key member of the HCBI’s educational team and will participate in teaching activities at Lunch and Learn lectures and specialized microscopy workshops.  

Working Conditions:

• This position is based fully on campus in Cambridge, MA and does not offer remote flexibility. 
• May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, primary tissue, cell lines or infectious materials 
• May work in a research environment where animals are present 
• May be exposed to toxic, radioactive, or carcinogenic materials including compressed gases, acids, solvents, vacuum pump oils, and other chemicals 

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting, bending, and working in confined space is sometimes required 
• Standing and/or sitting for extended periods is often required 

Basic Qualifications (required):

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience; OR
• A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Additional Qualifications (preferred):

• A curiosity driven desire for scientific knowledge
• A commitment to continuous microscope skill development 
• A strong desire to help other researchers achieve their scientific goals 
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in the English language  
• An MA or PhD in STEM is an asset.  

• This position is a 2 year term appointment from the date of hire with renewal contingent upon funding and performance. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal and Reference checks required.

Other Information:

• We will be accepting applications through Sept 30, 2026 or until the position is filled.
• All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.