Dr. Sheida Hadji Rasouliha
Postdoc at the Imaging Core Facility
Could you briefly describe your role at the Biozentrum?
At the Imaging Core Facility, we are mainly responsible for teaching users the basics of light microscopy and to training them how to use our systems. So, we usually start with a project discussion, decide which microscope fits their project the best and then train them on such that system. My role specifically focuses more on implementing imaging-based spatial transcriptomics, so that we can provide this technology as a service to the users.
What do you appreciate most about your job?
Working in a core facility is a very rewarding job because, on a day-to-day basis, you are solving problems, working directly with users, and being exposed to a much broader variety of research questions rather than focusing on a single question.
What does the Women in Science Day mean to you?
For me, as an Iranian scientist, it is especially important to raise awareness and celebrate Women in Science Day. I strongly believe that all women should be given the same opportunities as their male colleagues to reach their full potential. This day brings awareness and visibility, which can be quite rewarding and motivating for young researchers.
What changes do you think are still needed to better support women in science?
Raising awareness alone is not sufficient. I think structural changes in the institutions are also necessary. Traditionally, women are more often expected to take on caregiving roles, whether for children or elderly family members. Having equal opportunities, for both women and their partners, to share these responsibilities would give more space to focus on their careers. Additionally, also research institutions should provide mandatory training for project leaders and PIs. They play a very important role in shaping the future of women in their lab. I think a proper leadership training would make a difference.
What’s your scientific background?
Actually, I completed my PhD in the Affolter group and spent a significant amount of time in the Imaging Core Facility, as my project required quite a lot of fluorescence microscopy. Toward the end of my PhD, I was already looking for positions, and the head of the facility said to me: “Hey, we’re going to have an open position. You should apply”. So, I applied, and they were happy to have me.
How does working in a core facility differ from doing research in a lab?
In a core facility, you are exposed to a variety of things, not just different research projects, but also different people, different technologies. You're in close contact with companies developing imaging technologies and we can also influence what they are developing. Being in close contact with the companies means that we are also exposed to the latest technologies and can quickly implement new tools in the facility.
What does the Imaging Core Facility offer?
Light microscopy, or fluorescence microscopy, are essential for researchers to see and analyze their samples. Within the facility, we offer a wide range of techniques such as wide field microscopy, confocal microscopy, spinning-disk confocal microscopy, and light sheet microscopes, which allows imaging of much larger samples.
What are you currently focusing on in your work?
In addition to super-resolution microscopy, we are also integrating spatial biology techniques. This is actually a very hot topic nowadays and it’s rapidly evolving. These techniques allow us to visualize gene transcription directly with its spatial context, revealing which genes are expressed, to what extent, and precisely where they are located within the sample. This is quite amazing to me.
Who uses your services?
Almost all of the groups at the Biozentrum use our service. We also support users from the University of Basel, the D-BSSE and the FMI. Our services are available to academic groups across Switzerland and even internationally, as well as to companies.