Welcome to the multi-Scale Seeing-is-Believing (mSIB) Imaging Facility, an elite, newly launched collaborative partner directed by Dr. Sabrina Leslie. Our facility enables quantitative analysis of the biophysical properties, interaction kinetics and dynamics of individual molecules in native-like solution conditions and in direct relationship to their behaviour in living cells. The mSIB staff offer aspects of Dr. Leslie’s unique single-molecule, single-particle and single-cell microscopy and analysis expertise, and serve to broaden the impact of her wide-field as well as confocal microscopes which offer multi-channel fluorescence, label-free (iSCAT), and super-resolution (STORM) capabilities, bridging the gap between controlled solution and intracellular conditions. To benchmark particle characterization with respect to more commonly used and lower resolution tools, the mSIB facility is equipped with Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) equipment among other instruments. All instruments are operated by Leslie-trained personnel and with a cost-recovery program which has analogous aspects to MSL facilities which are directed by the PI.
Our mission is to be able to engage in collaborative projects which require our advanced microscopy and intellectual expertise, to support cutting-edge research which may not be possible without us. Due to high demand and the importance of protecting our research timelines, consistent with the CFI and PacifiCan grants which funded our infrastructure, all external imaging requests are assessed for priority, uniqueness and cost recovery.
How it Works
-
- Submit a Request – Contact us at leslielab@msl.ubc.ca with your name, institution, project description, and the anticipated equipment which our personnel may operate in our collaborative project to deliver your data. Highlighting clear opportunities for applying for grant applications together which will use the results of the short project will help make the case for higher potential for impact, in this university context.
-
- Arrange a Meeting – We will schedule an in-person or on-camera meeting to review your project in detail and see how we can collaborate. Please provide a desired timeline with ranges.You will be provided with documents to complete for (iterative) internal review prior to the meeting.
-
- Approval & Project Execution – Once approved, and both sides are in agreement on the project, team members and desired outcomes, we will confirm your internal time resources from our personnel and details of the planned partnership, including cost recovery at our end.
Rates & Policies (Cost Recovery)
-
- Initial Project Consultation estimate (typical): $100/hour (covers project review, setup).
-
- Usage-induced equipment fees (typical): Hourly equipment rates apply (based on equipment lifetime and anticipated repair).
-
- Tracking: All facility use is logged for billing and reporting purposes.
-
- Project selection: We thank you for your interest in documenting your interest in prospective collaboration and engaging in new projects which make use of our equipment. Due to limited bandwidth, projects will be reviewed internally with all aspects handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Benefit of submitting proposals: Documenting requests for collaboration and use cases for the equipment helps us develop the case for funding full-time personnel and to seek institutional and philanthropic resources for these personnel, by means of example. In addition where we are aware of alternative facilities with more quick turnaround and available tools we will provide this information where we can.
Why Cost Recovery is Required
Cost recovery is necessary to ensure sustainability of the facility, access to diverse users, and protection of the core research activities prioritized in our grant applications that keep our science moving forward. Training of graduate students and post docs whose degrees require the equipment is prioritized and a finite time is allocated for additional collaborative projects as above where staff assist and broaden our impact together.
Contact Us
leslielab@msl.ubc.ca
Michael Smith Laboratories
Rm 269, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4