[3dem] Very Vague Question

[Ludtke, Steven J.]

Our core gets pressured on this point all of the time (by advisors, etc.). The issue is that users want data processing/reconstruction/computing help but they don't want to pay for it, and it is _very_ expensive, often more per hour than the instrument. Even if you install something easy-to-use like CryoSparc on a workstation and let them use it, novice users will still need some training, and even then may take whatever first structure it dumps out and assume it's "the answer" and just figure they can go straight to publication. There is a lack of understanding among new users of what has to go in to turning CryoEM images into a publication with a biological or structural conclusion, and I've never found a good solution to the problem other than gradual education. When we set up someone who could help users with computation as a fee-for-service, it is virtually unused, and instead we get people who offer to "collaborate" with the person instead of paying. Most users who don't want to learn how to actually analyze CryoEM/ET data will wind up collaborating with someone who does have the experience (like a core director or a prominent user).

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Steven Ludtke, Ph.D. <sludtke at bcm.edu>                      Baylor College of Medicine
Charles C. Bell Jr., Professor of Structural Biology        Dept. of Biochemistry
Deputy Director, Advanced Technology Cores                  and Molecular Pharmacology
Academic Director, CryoEM Core
Co-Director CIBR Center


On Aug 12, 2025, at 8:45 AM, Chipman,Paul via 3dem <3dem at ncmir.ucsd.edu> wrote:

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Hi All,

We recently acquired a TFS Glacios and have started to pump out large amounts of data.  Many of our customers are completely unfamiliar with image processing.  I’m interested to hear how any other core facilities or similar have dealt with this issue.  Since we are an expected revenue neutral core I’m a bit challenged on how to best help our users.  Should we hire someone to deal with processing? What would be an expected salary? Post doc?  We have a bioinformatics core that might be helpful as well or positioned to have a joint appointment.  Just looking for thoughts.

Best,
Paul
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