Optical microscopy has become central to progress in many areas of science. At the same time, the complexity of instruments and quantitative imaging experiments has dramatically increased, with many requiring extensive expertise to operate. Microscopy facilities managed by PhD-level scientists who advise and train researchers on imaging experimental design, the best instruments to use for their experiments, and proper use of instruments have become essential sources of expertise in many research institutions, and core facility management has become a stimulating career path for scientists with experience in advanced quantitative microscopy techniques and an interest in facilitating science broadly.
The Advanced Microscopy Fellows at Harvard Medical School learn advanced quantitative microscopy techniques including confocal, TIRF, FRET, FRAP, photo-activation, single-molecule imaging, and super-resolution microscopy, and key skills needed to manage a large, heavily-used core facility. Fellows learn to train core facility users to select and apply the appropriate techniques, using a wide range of biological specimens and experimental approaches. Fellows also have the opportunity to identify additional responsibilities that match his/her interests, such as: organizing and teaching microscopy lectures and workshops; organizing microscopy discussion groups/journal clubs; troubleshooting equipment problems; developing protocols for testing equipment performance; designing and/or implementing novel or custom imaging techniques.