Senior Research Specialist- Cryo-EM

Position Summary

Operates and supports advanced cryo-electron microscopy instrumentation within the Weill Cornell Medicine Cryo-EM Core Facility. The facility houses a 200 kV Glacios TEM, a Vitrobot IV automated plunge freezer, and will soon include a 300 kV Titan Krios TEM and an Arctis Cryo-PFIB system.

Job Responsibilities

• Operates, maintains, and assists with routine quality control of cryo-electron microscopy instrumentation, including transmission electron microscopes, cryogenic sample preparation equipment, and associated hardware.
• Performs cryo-EM and Cryo-ET sample preparation, specimen screening, automated data collection, and basic image quality assessment.
• Provides scientific and technical support to investigators utilizing Cryo-EM Core services.
• Assists with user training on core instrumentation and standard operating procedures.
• Maintains accurate records of instrument usage, maintenance activities, and experimental workflows.
• Maintains cryogenic sample inventories and storage systems.
• Affords assistance with routine instrument maintenance and coordinates vendor service visits when necessary.
• Maintains laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment inventories.
• Ensures compliance with institutional safety policies and established laboratory procedures.
• Contributes to development and optimization of core workflows and standard operating procedures.
• Participates in the testing and implementation of new technologies and methodologies as the facility expands.
• Works closely with investigators to understand project goals and recommend appropriate Cryo-EM workflows and instrumentation.

Education & Experience

• BS in related field
• Experience with cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, transmission electron microscopy, or related structural biology techniques preferred.
• Experience working in a shared resource laboratory or core facility preferred.
• Previous Cryo-EM and/or Cryo-ET experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to interact effectively with investigators possessing diverse levels of microscopy experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and experimental workflows.
• Strong communication and teaching skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.

Education & Experience

• BS in related field
• Experience with cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, transmission electron microscopy, or related structural biology techniques preferred.
• Experience working in a shared resource laboratory or core facility preferred.
• Previous Cryo-EM and/or Cryo-ET experience a plus.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Ability to work safely in a BSL1 and/or BSL2 environment.
• Work will be in both in a laboratory and an office environment, but the purpose of the service may sometimes take incumbent to non-standard workplaces.