Stanford University

Cryo-EM Specialist

Stanford University • $80K — $95K *
Menlo Park, CA 94025In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's in structural biology, biophysics, chemistry, or related field; Ph.D. preferred.
  • 2+ years of relevant experience in a research environment (for Bachelor’s) or Master's with 2 years.
  • Knowledge of transmission electron microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy principles.
  • Strong analytical skills and sound judgment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team under deadlines.
  • Proficiency in computer programs and scientific applications.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare cryoEM specimens for analysis.
  • Operate electron microscopes for cryo-specimen studies.
  • Evaluate cryo-EM specimens for structural research suitability.
  • Collect and assess image data for quality and accuracy.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot electron microscopes and preparation equipment.
  • Guide and train researchers in project execution and lab protocols.
  • Contribute to research publications and presentations.

Benefits

  • Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and instrumentation.
  • Opportunities for collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Support for professional development and ongoing learning.
  • Participation in high-impact scientific research projects.
Full Job Description
Position Overview

Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Cryo-EM and Bioimaging Division within the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Cryo-EM Specialist to support state-of-the-art electron microscopy facilities involving 7 Thermo Fisher cryoEM instruments and two cryoET instruments with additional sample preparation instrumentation. The facility is staffed by a team, including this position, that is responsible for oversight, research operations and maintenance of these microscopes, as well as training and assisting scientific users. Reporting to the SLAC Manager, the CryoEM Specialist will be a member of this team supporting research activities in single particle and tomography studies.

Your specific responsibilities include:
  • Conduct cryoEM specimen preparation.
  • Operate electron microscopes for the study of cryo-specimens.
  • Screen cryo-EM specimen for suitability in structural research.
  • Conduct assessment prior to data collection: Perform preliminary image data quality evaluation, load samples and tune microscopes.
  • Collect image data for users
  • Conduct assessment of data collection: Provide evaluation on quality of data collected
  • Interface with the SLAC scientific computing team for support to ensure optimal data collection, storage and data processing.
  • Perform image processing.
  • Assist researchers on cryoEM projects and oversee their experiments.
  • Help orient and train new staff, external and internal users, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students.
  • Develop and support data collection enhancements.
  • Develop instruction material and contribute to research reports and publications.
  • Maintain the electron microscopes and other cryo-specimen preparation apparatus; may require interfacing with vendor engineers. Maintain accurate electronic logs for microscope performance and usage.
Other general research and lab coordination responsibilities include:
  • Perform more complex functions and activities involved in defined research projects and independently conduct a portion of the research project(s).
  • Perform complex (lab and/or field) experiments for a major portion of the research project. Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
  • Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist. Based on prior results, contribute to development of new research protocols and procedures or adaptation of existing protocols.
  • Make recommendations on plan design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary teams across divisions.
  • Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; present findings for lab work group.
  • Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section. May contribute to publication of findings and present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
  • Perform general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory, and provide general lab support as needed. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment.
  • Other duties may also be assigned.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in structural biology, biophysics, physics, biochemistry, chemistry or bioengineering, or related scientific field and at least two years of relevant work experience, or Master's degree in related field
  • Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
  • General understanding of the principles of transmission electron microscopy and cryoelectron microscopy.
  • General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
  • Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
  • Strong communications skills and ability to interact effectively with scientists at a varied level of experience
  • Ability to work independently under deadlines with general guidance is essential, as well as ability to work productively in a team environment.
  • Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
Preferred requirements include:
  • Direct experience in cryoEM techniques and use in biological applications is strongly preferred.
  • Master's degree in relevant science field, and/or two years of experience thereafter in a research environment, or a Ph.D.
SLAC employee competencies:
  • Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
  • Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
  • Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
  • Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
  • Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
  • Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages
  • Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

Work standards:
  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

About Stanford University

Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. The university was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their son, Leland Stanford Jr. Stanford is known for its academic excellence and research programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, computer science, and the sciences. The university has a diverse student body and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines. Stanford is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Stanford Research Institute and the Hoover Institution. The university is committed to advancing knowledge and improving the world through education and research.
Learn more about Stanford University
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14,945 employees
Industry
Education, Government & Non-Profit
* Ladders Estimates

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