MicroscopyPioneers
margin, but the proof was never found. For more than three
centuries, mathematicians attempted to develop their own
proof of the theory, but the first to truly succeed was Andrew J.
Wiles in 1994.
Position: Confocal Microscopist
Sir George Biddell Airy
(1801-1892)
Description: The Center for Ecogenomics in the Biodesign
Institute at Arizona State University has an immediate opening for
Sir George Airy was a distinguished nineteenth-century
a scientist with extensive expertise in biological confocal scanning
English Astronomer Royal who carried out optical research and
light microscopy. We conduct life-sciences based research into
first drew attention to the visual defect of astigmatism. After
cellular physiology and disease on both mammalian cells and
microbes. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary
graduating from Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1823, Airy team environment serving as the point person for research
worked as a mathematics tutor but was later better-known for
involving two state of the art imaging systems (and several
additional transmitted and fluorescence microscopes): 1) A Nikon
his skills in Latin and ancient Greek, poetry, history, theology,
multi-mode confocal microscope system consisting of a LiveScan
architecture, engineering, geology, and his then-controversial SFC (swept field confocal), Spectral C1si (high-spectral resolution)
beliefs in separating education from religion. By 1826 Airy’s
confocal, and Perfect Focus TE2000E2 inverted microscope with
TIRF accessories; and 2) A novel cell CT scanner for direct 3D
interest in astronomy increased dramatically when he was
absorption and fluorescence imaging of single cells.
a professor of mathematics at Cambridge University. He
At the core of the skill set we seek is the high level of
published a treatise entitled Mathematical Tracts on Physical
expertise in fluorescent probe selection and labeling technologies
and protocols—and associated probe excitation and emission
Astronomy and by 1828 became professor of astronomy and considerations—necessary to provide optimal signal to noise
director of the Cambridge Observatory.
ratios and to achieve novel and ambitious scientific objectives.
This is a hands-on position requiring daily involvement in specimen
Under Airy the Observatory blossomed from simply
preparation and image data acquisition in addition to a thorough
providing data to the Royal Navy to a major research institution understanding of the experimental goals and design. The
with the addition of the Altazimuth telescope in 1847 and the
successful candidate will assume full responsibility for managing
and optimizing the Center’s imaging facility, providing training and
Airy Transit Circle. Departments in magnetism and meteorology
expert input to users and active involvement in planning, design and
were subsequently added,
execution of complex research studies. The successful candidate
and observations of
will be expected to keep current with published literature and new
developments and technologies that will advance the mission
sunspots and spectroscopy
of the center. Opportunities to pursue own research interests.
were conducted on a
This position is a year-to-year appointment. Continuation of this
regular basis. From
position is contingent on satisfactory performance, availability of
funding and the needs of the program. Pre-employment screening,
studying eclipses to including a criminal history background check of the finalist is
measuring gravity, Airy’s
required under Arizona Board of Regents policy. AA/EOE.
extra-observatory activities
Qualifications: Required qualifications: PhD in cell or molecular
were varied and included biology or related field, and a minimum of five years of recent,
his supervision of the
hands-on experience in all aspects of biological fluorescence
confocal laser scanning microscopy: cell culture; probe selection
first transatlantic telegraph
or design; cell labeling including immunocytochemical labeling and
cable placement and the
fluorescence in situ hybridization; and image acquisition. Extensive
construction of Big Ben’s
expertise in molecular biology and cell labeling is essential.
Desired qualifications: Track record of high-quality
chimes. It took four offers
publications and extramural funding. Hands-on experience
by the Queen before he
in all aspects of absorption light microscopy including
agreed to become Sir
immunoperoxidase staining. Proficiency in slide- and tube-based
cell preparation and staining protocols and in 3D confocal imaging
George in July 1872. and image rendering is highly desirable. Expertise in image
Known for his sarcasm and caustic personality, Airy had an
processing and analysis; mathematics and practical aspects of
image reconstruction from projections; other microscopies (various
ongoing battle with Charles Babbage in which he prevailed
LM modes; TEM; scanned probe; x-ray); molecular biological
professionally and financially to the detriment of science. methods (PCR, FACS, laser capture microdissection); histological
Airy’s infamy ranges from ignoring John Adams’s discovery of
techniques; cancer biopsy processing; statistics and design of
experiments is preferred but not required.
Neptune to dismissing Michael Faraday’s field theory.
In the field of optics, Airy’s water telescope helped erase
Salary/Benefits: Full-time, fiscal year salary plus full, liberal State
the antiquated theory of æther, the substance in air through
of Arizona benefits package.
Salary Range: $65-85K DOE.
which light was supposed to travel, laying the groundwork for
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Suffering from astigmatism,
Contact Information: Send email with “Confocal Microscopist”
in the subject line and CV, cover letter and names, telephone
he manufactured the first correcting eyeglasses (1825), with
numbers and email addresses for three professional references to:
a cylindrical lens design that is still in use. The diffraction Name: Roger H. Johnson, PhD
disks that bear his name (Airy Disks) were discovered in the
Company: Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University
Address: 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287-6501
spherical center of a wavefront traveling through a circular
Email: roger.h.johnson@asu.edu
aperture. These diffraction patterns form the smallest unit that
Website: http://www.biodesign.asu.edu/
comprises an image, thus determining the limits of light optical
Open Search: July 10, 2009
resolution.
Close Search: September 18, 2009; then every week thereafter
until the search is closed.
54
www.microscopy-today.com • 2009 September
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