Central Analytical Facilities (CAF), Fluorescence Microscopy Unit

The Fluorescence Microscopy Unit is one of the units of the Central Analytical Facilities at Stellenbosch University, focusing on fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Fluorescence-based instruments are used to assess the various properties of cells, particles or molecules of interest in a wide variety of samples.

The unit started with an epifluorescent Olympus IX81 microscope in 2006, and expanded infrastructure in 2012 with a Zeiss LSM780 with Elyra SR SIM platform. In 2015, this microscope was upgraded to add the PALM/dSTORM module and the Shuttle and Find feature.

Several protocols for Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy are also on place, in collaboration with the Electron Microscopy Unit.

The infrastructure is still under implementation and is currently expanding the unit to Tygerberg Medical Campus with a Zeiss AxioObserver fluorescence microscope. An Imaging Flow Cytometer will also be available by the end of 2019.

Further details can be found on the Unit's web page.

Website: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/science/CAF/units/fluorescent-microscopy

To apply for an international job shadowing program, please complete the form found here.

The Shadowing Offer

Main focus

Aspects related to user access

Core facility management

Hands-on Zeiss LSM 780 Elyra PS1 confocal/super-resolution microscope; Olympus IX81 inverted microscope; Zeiss AxioObserver

CLEM, super-resolution microscopy

Other activities

Periodical confocal microscopy workshops

Preferred position of applicant

Facility manager

Imaging specialist

Duration of stay

Up to 2 weeks