SEA Cryogenic Electron Microscopist

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.

About Shared Equipment Authority (SEA):

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. SEAs 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.

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 scientists 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 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 cores research capabilities.

Workplace Requirements:

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

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

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

Annual Hiring Range: $115000 - $120000

Minimum Requirements:

• Masters 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.

Rice University HR Benefits: Mission and Values:Mission and Values Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national or ethnic origin genetic information disability or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process please get in touch with Rice Universitys Human Resources Office via email at for support.

If you have any additional questions please email us at Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.