[3dem] Cryo-EM Specialist Job Opening - Wash U, St. Louis, MO

[Fitzpatrick, James]

Dear List,

I have a position open in my Center at Washington University School of Medicine for a Cryo-EM Specialist. Details are below. Interested parties please apply at jobs.wustl.edu<http://jobs.wustl.edu> and search for job ID 36721.

Thanks,
James

James A.J. Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.
Scientific Director, Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging
Associate Professor, Departments of Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology and Biomedical Engineering
Washington University in St. Louis
tel: (314) 747-0838
email: fitzp at wustl.edu<mailto:fitzp at wustl.edu>
web: http://wucci.wustl.edu


POSITION TITLE: Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Specialist[cid:C8D743A5-068A-4340-8247-A8F989C89056 at wucon.wustl.edu] (Job ID: 36721)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Cryo-Electron Microscopy Specialist will support the operation of its new Titan Krios G3 Cryo-EM equipped with a Direct Electron Detector for single particle and tomography studies.  This position will work with other EM staff under the supervision of the Center Director in operation of the electron microscopy component of the Center for Cellular Imaging (http://wucci.wustl.edu/). The Cryo-EM Specialist will also have the opportunity to work on correlative microscopy technology development projects as a part of the Centers technology development efforts.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. User Training - train users in sample preparation and imaging techniques for single-particle cryo-EM.
- Introduce and orient new users on the safe operation of the Titan Krios cryo-EM platform.
- Provide assistance and troubleshooting on cryo-EM experiments.
- Provide advanced level instruction on an individual level with undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs, and collaborators on the appropriate methods to vitrify samples (both for single particle and tomography)
- Develop reference tools for lab staff including handouts.

2. Cryo-EM Service - Prepare samples for single particle cryo-EM and collect and reconstruct images for University researchers to help to prepare data for publication and presentations.
- Prepare biological samples for cryo-EM (purified proteins and cells) using plunge freezing techniques.
- Data collection and evaluation of data for in-house and external users carrying out structural biology-focused projects.
- Evaluate quality of data obtained by users.
- Interface and collaborate with other EM staff in the Center to facilitate preliminary screening of samples via negative staining techniques.
- Basic 3D image processing of single particle and/or tomography datasets.
- Interface with High Performance Computing team, who will assist with computational needs for optimal data storage and data processing.
- Implement data collection strategies that will benefit the burgeoning cryo-EM user community at Washington University.
- Prepare data for publication; grant applications, posters and other presentations using digital facilities.
- Prepare publication quality micrographs or images/movies for presentations
- Assist in preparation of manuscripts, grants, progress reports and annual protocols.
- Maintain lab notebook, including experimental design, time, methods, materials and results.

3. Cryo-EM Equipment Maintenance - maintenance of the cryo-EM and sample preparation equipment.
- Perform general maintenance of the Titan Krios cryo-EM microscope.
- Liaise with manufacturer (FEI/Thermo Fishr)  with regard to instrument preventative maintenance.
- Maintain ancillary, cryo-EM sample preparation equipment such as Vitrobot, glow discharger etc.
- Load samples and fine-tune microscope prior to single particle or tomography data collection runs.
- Maintain records of equipment usage and report maintenance issues of equipment.
- Ensure assigned areas, and various pieces of equipment are clean and prepared.
- Use scheduling software to prepare monthly invoices for facility user recharges and track of equipment usage to prepare monthly status reports for Director.
- Ensure Center is in compliance with EH&S protocols and procedures.

EDUCATION: Master’s degree in a related field with 7 years of experience in a laboratory setting or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience equaling at least 10 years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
[cid:C8D743A5-068A-4340-8247-A8F989C89056 at wucon.wustl.edu]
- At least 2-5 years of cryo-EM experience, with expertise in sample freezing, sample handling, microscope use, and data evaluation and analysis.
- Firm understanding of the principles of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
- Demonstrated skill and experience in the high-resolution operation of cryo electron microscopes
- General understanding of single-particle cryo-EM workflow, experience in cryo-electron tomography, Cs correction and Phase contrast systems would be added benefits.
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of biology or related scientific field and of tissue structure on an anatomical, cellular, and molecular level.
- Ability to contribute to experimental design and assist with the analysis and interpretation of results.
- Proven organizational and time management skills to successfully set priorities, meet established deadlines and recognize new problems with constantly changing priorities and frequent interruptions.
- Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment.
- Ability to diplomatically and professionally interact with all levels of University faculty and staff and external contacts.
- Proven ability to perform minor maintenance and alignment of electron microscopes.

[cid:C8D743A5-068A-4340-8247-A8F989C89056 at wucon.wustl.edu]
SALARY: The hiring range for this position is commensurate with experience.

BENEFITS: This position is eligible for full-time benefits.  Please visit our website at http://hr.wustl.edu to view a summary of benefits.
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