Exploring the Crucial Role of Core Imaging Facility Managers:  Expert Insights from the University of York
Introduction

Exploring the Crucial Role of Core Imaging Facility Managers: Expert Insights from the University of York

Dr. Peter O’Toole is the Head of Imaging and Cytometry at the University of York. He is focusing on both technology and method development. By maintaining advanced microscopy systems and ensuring equitable access to these resources, O’Toole and his team help facilitate a wide range of research activities from fundamental science to applied research.

Peter O'Toole | University of York

My role as the core facility manager involves overseeing the operation and administration of the microscopy facility, which is central to the institution's research infrastructure.

Peter O'Toole

University of York

Historical Context: York’s Journey

Since its inception in 2002, the core facilities at York have been trailblazers in centralized research services, providing equitable access to advanced instrumentation for both internal and external users.

York's journey into centralized core facilities began 22 years ago, a bold move that exemplified a commitment to maintaining expertise around high-end instrumentation. The primary aim was to improve the quality of science by ensuring that researchers had access to reliable and sophisticated tools, along with the expertise to use them effectively.

The facility operates under a cost-recovery model, which might seem administratively burdensome, but it drives the team to deliver the highest quality service. This model not only sustains staff positions but also ensures that instruments are well-maintained and serviced, thereby benefiting users.

  • Team of the Core Imaging Facility at the University of York

    Dr. Peter O'Toole (left) has a dedicated team of professionals, driving innovation and research with state-of-the-art imaging technologies.

Equitable Access for All Users

One of the core tenets of the facility is to provide equal access to all researchers, whether they are from within the institution or external users, including commercial entities. Approximately 20-30% of the facility's income comes from external sources, highlighting its significance beyond institutional boundaries. By fostering an environment where all users feel supported, the facility enhances their research impact, encouraging innovative experiments that they might not have previously considered.

Primary Responsibilities of the Core Facility Manager

A core responsibility for any facility manager is ensuring financial sustainability. This involves not just managing budgets but also making strategic decisions about which instruments to acquire. The priority is to invest in versatile equipment that can serve multiple research areas, thus minimizing the risk of underutilization.

For example, the facility actively avoids purchasing niche instruments that serve a limited user base. Instead, a focus on broad applicability ensures that instruments are used year-round, maximizing their potential and financial viability.

My biggest responsibility is to make sure that the systems are financially sustainable to ensure the optimal running and expert support year on year.

Peter O'Toole

University of York

Maintaining Instrument Reliability

The core facility manager must ensure that all microscopes, particularly the LSM, are kept in top condition. This includes both routine maintenance and quality assurance.

Regular service checks and prompt repairs are crucial for maintaining instrument reliability. A strong partnership with the manufacturers has proven beneficial in this regard, O’Toole points out.

In addition, the implementation of an internal quality assurance system allows for the rapid identification and resolution of any issues that may arise during use.

User engagement also plays a significant role in maintaining instrument reliability. Users are encouraged to report any issues immediately, allowing the facility team to address concerns proactively. This culture of open communication fosters trust and ensures that users feel supported, further enhancing their research experience. “The users are really respectful. They leave things the way they find them. If they find a problem, they'll tell us the symptoms or what they're not happy with”, O'Toole says with satisfaction.
 

Peter O'Toole | University of York

We can call an engineer very quickly, which is why working with ZEISS has actually been very useful, because the quality of service has always been exceptional.

Peter O'Toole

University of York
Peter O'Toole | University of York

User Training and Support

Training users on how to effectively utilize the microscopes is another vital aspect of the role. The facility offers tailored training sessions, ensuring that users come prepared with their own samples. This customized approach not only boosts user confidence but also enhances their research outcomes.

The training model includes both hands-on courses and one-on-one sessions, accommodating a wide range of expertise levels. Such efforts are essential to foster a community of knowledgeable researchers who can maximize the capabilities of the facility.

The success of the core facility is also attributed to the collaborative and caring nature of the team. Each member possesses a range of skills that allow them to support different instruments while also specializing in particular areas. This flexibility ensures that users receive consistent support, even in the absence of a specific expert.

The team’s commitment to user satisfaction creates a positive atmosphere, encouraging researchers to seek help and collaborate freely.

Peter O'Toole

University of York

The Confocal Microscope as the Workhorse of the Facility

The core systems, especially the LSM 980, are heavily booked, reflecting their critical role in various research projects. The booking patterns vary; some systems are used intensively by a small group of users conducting long-term experiments, while others accommodate a larger group of researchers using the system for shorter periods. This diversity in usage underscores the need for a flexible and efficient scheduling system.

When selecting an instrument that forms the core backbone of the facility, such as the ZEISS LSM 980, O’Toole had to consider several factors:

  • Versatility: The instrument must be versatile enough to support a wide range of applications, accommodating the diverse research interests within our community.
  • Reliability: High reliability is crucial to minimize downtime and ensure consistent availability for users.
  • User-friendliness: The system should be intuitive to use, allowing researchers and students to operate it with minimal difficulty after appropriate training.
  • Advanced features: They look for state-of-the-art features that can provide a competitive edge to the researchers, enhancing the quality and efficiency of their research.

The ZEISS LSM 980 confocal microscope exemplifies the facility's commitment to versatility: "Good versatility means that many users can benefit from the system", O'Toole emphasizes. With an average of 2-3 user groups per day, it serves as a critical tool across various research disciplines, from microbiology to materials science. The ability to switch between single-photon and multi-photon applications further enhances its utility, ensuring that it meets diverse user needs.

Peter O'Toole | University of York

What blew me away with the ZEISS LSM 510 was its reliability. And that reliability in general has carried on.

Peter O'Toole

University of York

The LSM in Action

Efficiently Tackling Daily Tasks with the ZEISS Airyscan Detector

ZEISS Airyscan | Cell division in NRK cells
Sample courtesy of Paul Pryor

Cell division in NRK cells

Microtubules stained with Alexa Fluor 555

ZEISS Airyscan | Actin in U251 cells
Image courtesy of O'Toole Group

Actin in U251 cells

Actin stained with Lifeact-YFP

ZEISS Airyscan | Microtubules in NRK cells
Sample courtesy of Paul Pryor

Microtubules in NRK cells

Microtubules stained with Alexa Fluor 488

Stained for microtubules (AF488).

ZEISS Airyscan | Actin-stained Zebrafish
ZEISS Airyscan | Multicolor Zebrafish

Multicolor Zebrafish

Images acquired with ZEISS LSM 980 with Airyscan

Left: Stained for actin (GFP)

Right: Stained for actin (GFP), membrane (mCherry) and DAPI using 63x.

Sample kindly provided by Powell Group.

Peter O'Toole | University of York

By effectively managing the microscopy resources, ensuring the reliability of the core systems like the ZEISS LSM 980 confocal microscope, and supporting our researchers and students, we enhance the scientific output and foster an environment of innovation and discovery.

Peter O'Toole

University of York

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