Research Specialist - CryoEM

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147. Current HHMI Employees, please apply via your Workday account.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology’s deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work.

We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community.

Summary: The HHMI CryoEM Shared Resource at Janelia Research Campus is a world-class core facility with a large and diverse user base. It serves the entire HHMI community nationwide for cutting-edge research in structural and cellular biology. The facility currently hosts three highly configured Titan Krios microscopes with a 4th Krios microscope being installed, an Aquilos2 cryo focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIBSEM), a Hydra plasmon cryo FIBSEM, multiple screening electron microscopes, cryo light microscopes, and cryo grids preparation equipment.

The main function of the facility is to
1) high-throughput, high-quality data collection on user-provided ready-to-image cryo grids utilizing either single particle or cryo-electron tomography;
2) use the cryo FIBSEM system to thin down thick samples for cryo

EM imaging;
3) collaborate on research projects with HHMI labs when needed;
4) implement and test new methods/protocols to better help users.

In this role, you will play a crucial part in enabling breakthrough discoveries by supporting high-throughput data collection, assisting in sample screening and data handling, and ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of the CryoEM facility’s workflows and equipment. Working under the guidance of senior staff members, you will participate in the implementation of new workflows and protocols, collaborate with users to plan, execute, and share experimental results, and help maintain equipment and train users on applicable facility tools and software.

Your technical contributions will be essential to the success of collaborative scientific projects and advances in structural biology.

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Interdependent, team-wide support in daily operations; hands-on training and mentorship.
• Access to world-class researchers, resources, and impactful science as part of your career development.
• The opportunity to contribute your expertise to a shared resource that enables high-quality research.
• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.
• A healthy work-life balance, with on-site childcare, free gyms, on-campus housing, vibrant social and dining spaces, and shuttle-bus service to Janelia from the Washington, DC metro area.

• Provide high-quality, high-throughput data collection services to users, following established protocols.
• Help screen users’ samples and provide feedback.
• Properly handle and manage various samples, sample storage systems, cryogen dewars, and dry shippers.
• Assist with managing, storing and transferring users’ data.
• Maintain and operate various equipment from sample preparation systems to Krios microscopes.
• Train new users on basic equipment and workflows.
• Log and report hardware and software issues, resolve problems or escalate concerns to senior team members as appropriate.
• Participate in the implementation of new protocols and methods for sample preparation, screening, instrument operation, data collection and data curation.
• Expand own skill set and stay current on relevant techniques to support facility workflows.
• Communicate effectively with users and colleagues to coordinate data collection and report routine results. Carry out other assigned tasks as needed.

• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field and 4+ years of related research experience, or an equivalent combination…