[3dem] Electron Microscopist Position Available at UCSD

[James Bouwer]

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO 

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
3050L UREY HALL ADDITION
9500 GILMAN DRIVE, 0314
LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA 92093-0314
   

Electron Microscopist Position at UCSD

An electron microscopist position (Staff Research Associate level II or III) is available in the laboratory of Dr. Timothy S. Baker in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California San Diego.  Research in the lab utilizes electron cryo-microscopy and three-dimensional image-reconstruction techniques to determine the structures of a wide range of biological macromolecules.  The Electron Cryo-microscopy facility at UCSD houses three state of the art transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) – a 200keV FEI Tecnai G2 Sphera; a 300keV FEI Tecnai G2 Polara equipped with a field emission gun, energy filter, and a K2 direct detector; and a fully automated cryo ready FEI Talos Arctica microscope, equipped with an autoloader, auto filling dewars, a 4k x 4k high-speed Ceta camera, and a state of the art K2 direct detector. These microscopes run several software packages including Leginon single particle acquisition, SerialEM tomography, Gatan Microscopy Suite (GMS), and EPU automated single particle acquisition. The facility is also equipped with two Vibrobot Mark IV cryogenic sample preparation robots.

The successful candidate will prepare samples, examine them in the TEM, and collect data using a host of automated data acquisition packages.  Sample preparation typically requires preliminary analysis by means of negative staining followed by plunge-freeze vitrification.  In addition, the individual will assist other researchers, participate in the image reconstruction process, help in the preparation of manuscripts, monitor inexperienced microscope users, and assist the Facility Manager as needed.  This will include, but is not limited to, maintaining the cleanliness of the lab, picking up supplies from campus facilities, processing digital electron micrographs, cataloging and archiving images, and monitoring the lab when the Facility Manager is absent.  Given the high demand for facility equipment, some evening or weekend work may occasionally be necessary to complete data collection.

The successful candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related life-science field.  Several years of demonstrated experience in transmission electron microscopy is a required.  The individual must be highly self-motivated, be comfortable handling complex tasks and sophisticated equipment, be able to pay meticulous attention to detail, have excellent oral and written English communication skills, be able to follow verbal and written procedures, and be able to interact effectively with faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral researchers who may have a diverse, ethnic and cultural background.  The individual must possess basic computer skills and be willing to learn the Linux operating system and three-dimensional, image-reconstruction software.

Qualified applicants are asked to provide a resume that includes information on education, employment history, and the applicant’s goals for the future.  They should arrange to have at least three signed letters of reference sent from individuals with a relevant scientific background and with extensive knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications.  Education transcripts may be required.  Send this to Dr. Timothy S. Baker, Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC-0378, La Jolla, California 92093-0378.  Alternatively, CVs and other correspondence may be directed to tsb at ucsd.edu. 



James Bouwer, Ph.D.
Physicist - Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility
University of California, San Diego
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Bonner Hall 1510 
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA, 92093-0378
(858) 822-6718
jbouwer at ucsd.edu

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