Biologist; Electron Microscopy

Job Details:
Level – Experienced | Location – NIH Baltimore Campus, Baltimore, MD | Position Type – Full Time | Education Level – Masters Degree | Salary Range – $70,000 – $140,000 per year | Travel Percentage – None | Shift – Day | Category – Public Health

The Biologist will provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The primary objective is to provide research services and deliverables through performance of support services for the Confocal Imaging Facility core of the NIA IRP.

• Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function
• Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species
• Proficiency in confocal microscopy image acquisition and analysis
• Proficiency in immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunocytochemistry (ICC) and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques
• Functional knowledge of super‑resolution microscopy techniques
• Sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy (TEM); fixation, resin embedding, ultrathin sectioning, post‑staining, immunogold labeling and negative staining
• Preparation of solutions and chemicals
• Troubleshooting and optimizing laboratory protocols and instrumentation
• User training and support
• Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples
• Analyze laboratory findings
• Operate the TEM and support equipment
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory
• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data
• Interpret research or operational data
• Record research or operational data
• Pursue the research goals of the laboratory by conducting wet‑lab work
• Work with staff on performing various experiments and procedures
• Harvest and collect mouse embryos, tissues and organs
• Perform histological techniques, including tissue and whole‑mount in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
• Prepare and organize various lab samples
• Conduct molecular biological analyses
• Provide technical assistance to laboratory members
• Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment and experimental records
• Provide support for ordering reagents and equipment required for the laboratory
• Document work products and related training of researchers in confocal microscopy
• Clean equipment, run validation, inspect equipment, meet with lab members to present updates

• Master’s Degree in Biology or a related discipline
• Skilled in Microsoft Office suite, FIJI ImageJ, Zeiss Zen
• Experience in confocal light microscopy
• At least 4 years of demonstrated experience in a biological research setting with routine classic embedding and sample preparation techniques including ultramicrotomy for electron microscopy
• Experience with cryo‑fixation preparation techniques for cryo‑electron microscopy is a plus
• 2–5 years of experience using scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) or transmission electron microscopes (TEMs)
• Experience with focused ion beam, scanning electron microscopy or other volumetric electron microscopy techniques is a plus
• Familiarity with automated imaging systems with either light or electron microscopes in a biological research laboratory
• Experience with digital imaging of biological systems using light microscopy
• Familiarity with workflow using 3D reconstruction software
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

This position is contingent upon contract award.