Electron Microscopy Technician Chief, Cell Biology

Job Description

Electron Microscopy Technician Chief, Cell Biology (946510)

Works independently with full technical authority to direct electron microscopy core-facility operations. Serves as the institutional subject‑matter expert for electron‑microscopy methods, instrumentation, and workflows. Establishes facility‑wide technical standards, oversees advanced research and clinical EM services, and ensures alignment with institutional research priorities. Operates fully independently to manage instrument suites, develop facility‑wide protocols, and drive innovation in sample preparation and imaging. Provides strategic technical consultation to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the core meets both research and clinical objectives.

The Electron Microscopy Core Facility at UT Southwestern Medical Center provides high‑quality electron microscopy services to investigators across UT Southwestern, including transmission electron microscopy of cells and tissues, whole‑mount scanning electron microscopy, negative staining, correlative light and electron microscopy, immunogold labeling, high‑pressure freezing, freeze substitution, array tomography, and volume EM imaging. The facility supports a broad range of biological and biomedical research projects using advanced EM platforms and sample‑preparation workflows.

• Perform and oversee electron microscopy sample preparation for TEM, SEM, negative staining, immunolabeling, CLEM, and volume EM projects.
• Operate and support advanced EM instrumentation, including TEM, SEM, FIB‑SEM, high‑pressure freezing, freeze substitution, ultramicrotomy, coating, and critical‑point drying systems.
• Support imaging workflows using instruments such as FEI Tecnai G2 Spirit Bio Twin, JEOL 1400 Plus, Zeiss Sigma VP, and Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Plasma FIB‑SEM.
• Train and assist researchers in TEM operation, SEM operation, sample processing, and negative staining workflows.
• Coordinate project workflow, sample intake, scheduling, and communication with facility users.
• Troubleshoot sample‑preparation and imaging problems and recommend appropriate EM approaches for research questions.
• Help maintain facility protocols, quality standards, equipment readiness, and safe laboratory practices.
• Contribute to the continued growth of advanced EM capabilities, including volume EM, CLEM, high‑pressure freezing, and immunogold labeling.

• Strong hands‑on experience with biological electron microscopy.
• Experience with TEM and/or SEM sample preparation and imaging.
• Knowledge of ultramicrotomy, resin embedding, negative staining, immunogold labeling, high‑pressure freezing, freeze substitution, or volume EM.
• Ability to work collaboratively with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds.
• Strong communication, documentation, organization, and troubleshooting skills.
• Prior experience in a core facility, academic research environment, or biomedical imaging facility is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 3 years progressively responsible electron microscopy experience with a Master’s degree, or 5 years with a Bachelor’s degree.

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full‑time employee‑only coverage
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

• Directs day‑to‑day operations of the electron microscopy laboratory, ensuring reliable, efficient, and high‑quality delivery of EM services in alignment with the Director's scientific vision and priorities.
• Provides advanced technical and operational leadership for electron microscopy workflows, instrumentation, and service offerings; oversees EM personnel to ensure consistent execution of approved methods and standards.
• Applies deep expertise in TEM/SEM systems and advanced EM modalities to guide operational decisions, assess technical feasibility, and support implementation of new methods and protocols developed under the Director's direction.
• Coordinates laboratory duties, schedules, project…