Core Research Facility Technician III - Electron Microscopy

Electron Microscopy • Gainesville, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves preparing research specimens for examination using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, training research investigators on equipment usage, maintaining detailed records, performing advanced EM techniques, and general maintenance and troubleshooting of electron microscopes and ancillary equipment. The role also includes assisting investigators with technique development and understanding results, and potentially supervising the lab in the absence of management.

Requirements

• BA/BS in a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Core or technology-specific licensure and/or certifications, where applicable.
• Yearly certificate and compliance training, if required.
• Good record-keeping skills.
• Communicate effectively with customers and other laboratory staff.
• Comprehensive knowledge and ability to perform principles and techniques used in electron microscopic study of biological specimens, to include: specimen preparation, ultramicrotomy, operation of transmission and scanning electron microscopes, operation of confocal microscope, and the recording of images.
• Basic knowledge of cell and tissue ultrastructure.
• Ability to work independently is essential.
• Important to be a team player.
• Trains others in techniques and instrumentation.
• Desire to learn advanced techniques and new methodologies.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Electron Microscopy Technologist (CEMT) certification from the Microscopy Society of America and an A.A. degree or certification from a two-year EM program, or a minimum of 4 years of experience in a biological electron microscopy laboratory.
• If the applicant is not a CEMT, the new hire may be required to complete and pass the CEMT program.
• Customer service and project tracking are an integral part of daily activities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare research specimens, including but not limited to animal and plant tissue and microbes, for examination by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, using a wide range of technical procedures.
• Train research investigators on the proper use of transmission and scanning electron microscopes and ancillary equipment.
• Maintain records of all specimens processed, including a detailed account of all steps used in processing each specimen. Maintain online scheduling, project tracking, and billing within the ILab system.
• Perform ultramicrotomy with both glass and diamond knives. Makes glass knives when required and maintains diamond knives.
• Perform advanced techniques such as immunoelectron microscopy, single particle cryo-TEM, pre-processing of data movies, and prepare samples and collect data for cryo-SEM.
• Open/Close and supervise the lab in the absence of the Lab Manager or Director.
• Work with research investigators in developing or modifying techniques appropriate to the electron microscopic study of their particular specimen and help them understand the results.
• Perform general maintenance (i.e., replace electron gun filament) and troubleshoot basic problems of electron microscopes and ancillary equipment.
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level