Job Description

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

Position Summary:

The SEA Cryogenic Electron Microscopist is responsible for the management, maintenance, and operation of specialized scientific research equipment (ThermoFisher Glacios) in the cryo-EM core lab facilities for the Office of Research, through the Shared Equipment Authority (SEA). As part of the biological instrumentation and electron microscopy staff teams, this position coordinates these responsibilities with other SEA research scientists and provides support to other SEA facilities as needed.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled research scientist with extensive hands-on experience in high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy and related techniques for single-particle and tomography analysis, as well as associated workflows for sample preparation, specimen handling, data processing, and the operation and support of ThermoFisher Glacios/Krios microscopy and related instrumentation. This includes experience with an FEI Vitrobot Mark IV Plus and a Tecnai FT20 TEM with a Gatan K2 Summit camera.

Under the supervision of SEA leadership, the research scientist's primary responsibilities include operating and optimizing instruments; providing user consultation and training; supporting experimental design; maintaining and troubleshooting instruments in coordination with the ThermoFisher service team; ensuring quality control; processing and interpreting data; and coordinating the use of shared equipment. In close consultation with the faculty user committee for these resources, the successful candidate will ensure adherence to institutional laboratory safety policies and regulatory requirements while supporting a broad range of investigator-driven research programs. The candidate will promote the effective utilization of the facility through user training, workshops, consultation services, and outreach activities that support a diverse and growing research community.

This individual excels in a service-oriented, collaborative environment, demonstrating strong technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to equipment stewardship, user education, time management, and adherence to research best practices. They communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and trainees at all levels, work independently while contributing to team-based core operations, and remain motivated to stay current with emerging technologies to enhance the core's research capabilities.

Workplace Requirements:

This is an on-site position, requiring all responsibilities to be carried out in person at Rice University Campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Work is performed in a combination of laboratory and office environments.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Annual Hiring Range: $115,000 - $120,000

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in a relevant science or engineering field (biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemistry, etc.)
• 4+ years of hands-on experience with maintenance, training, operations, data processing, and/or support for cryogenic electron microscopy facilities

Skills:

• Broad-based knowledge of science with expert-level knowledge of an applicable research area and the associated research equipment
• Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and to integrate it, as approved, into the knowledge base
• Ability to troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment
• Knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Excellent critical thinking, research, and technical skills
• Excellent editing, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a wide range of researchers, faculty, staff, and students, including both technical and non-technical individuals
• Willingness to work autonomously, as well as with other staff and faculty
• Excellent general management, leadership, organizational, project management, and time management skills
• Ability to promote the best practices of a research lab
• Proven mastery of related instrumentation and the ability to learn quickly and master new experimental methods and instruments

Preferences:

• Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering field
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with maintenance, training, operations, data processing, and/or support for cryogenic electron microscopy facilities

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the full life cycle of assigned research equipment, including assisting with the negotiation of technical specifications for new research equipment, overseeing vendor installation, operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, consulting with the vendor regarding repairs, overseeing repairs as appropriate, and facilitating routine maintenance of the equipment
• Provides high-level instruction on instrument usage to undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and external users, and performs brief demonstrations
• Develops standard processes and provides expert consultation to researchers on process issues
• Collaborates with PIs on advanced research experiments and projects
• Works in conjunction with PIs to prepare grant proposals for research equipment acquisition to improve research programs, particularly for expanding cryo-EM capabilities
• Provides training when specialized techniques are needed for research; works to the extent necessary with individuals to perform experiments, interpret results, determine next steps, and write up results for publication
• Stays abreast of the latest technological advances in research and informs faculty and stakeholders of new methodologies. Pursues the implementation of new techniques needed for research on existing instrumentation
• Promotes and enhances a culture of laboratory safety
• Follows the best practices of a shared research laboratory facility
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Performs various administrative functions, including but not limited to: attending internal and external meetings, issuing and tracking scientific equipment usage and fee charges to the necessary parties, and maintaining security access control to the research lab.

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