SEA Cryogenic Electron Microscopist

Cryogenic Electron Microscopist

The Shared Equipment Authority (SEA) provides faculty and researchers with access to state-of-the-art shared scientific instrumentation, technical expertise, and research support services. Established in 2001, SEA manages more than 150 research instruments across multiple core facilities, supporting research in the physical sciences, engineering, life sciences, and medicine. SEA's professional scientific staff partner with faculty, students, postdoctoral researchers, and external collaborators by providing instrument training, consultation, and technical expertise that enable cutting-edge research.

The SEA Cryogenic Electron Microscopist is responsible for the management, maintenance, and operation of specialized scientific research equipment (Thermo Fisher 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.

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 Thermo Fisher 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 Thermo Fisher 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.

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.

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…