Cryo-FIB Research Specialist

Howard Hughes Medical Institute•Ashburn, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cryo-FIB Research Specialist works on-site in the cryoEM Shared Resource at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, supporting cryo-electron microscopy research across the HHMI community. The role focuses on cryo-FIB/SEM, cryo-light microscopy and CLEM, and advanced cryo-EM sample preparation. Most work involves routine sample preparation, FIB milling, imaging, and data collection for facility users and collaborators, alongside maintaining and configuring instruments and equipment. The specialist consults with researchers to translate experimental goals into feasible imaging and sample-preparation plans, evaluates the quality of images and milled samples, and troubleshoots technical issues. When established protocols do not meet project needs, the specialist builds or adapts workflows. The role also involves reviewing literature and emerging technologies, implementing useful improvements, training users and staff, and contributing to facility planning, supply orders, and instrument scheduling. This is an on-site position requiring a minimum of four years of research experience and prior hands-on experience with cryo-FIB/SEM, cryo-EM sample preparation, or cryo-light microscopy. A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and research experience, is required. The position has physical demands including extended periods seated or standing, reaching, grasping, fine dexterity, mobility around the workspace, and moving materials weighing up to several pounds. Work may involve exposure to malodorous vapors, low-dose radiation, toxic chemicals and acids, carcinogenic substances, or other hazardous materials.

Requirements

Minimum of four years of research experience.
Prior hands-on experience with cryo-FIB/SEM, cryo-EM sample preparation, or cryo-light microscopy techniques.
Master’s degree or higher in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, engineering, microscopy, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and research experience.
Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and obtain effective performance from advanced instruments such as a Titan Krios or Helios Hydra.
Meticulous recordkeeping, sample tracking, and instrument-use documentation.
Careful judgment in evaluating images, milled samples, and preparation results and deciding whether they are ready to proceed.
Ability to train first-time users in delicate technical procedures.
Ability to build workflows when protocols are unavailable and to determine next steps in uncertain situations.
Curiosity about scientific literature and emerging techniques, and ability to identify useful improvements.
Accountability for work across shared workflows, including raising issues early and collaborating to resolve them.
Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods, reach and grasp, use fine finger dexterity, communicate verbally, see and hear within normal parameters, and move about the workspace.
Ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds.
Ability to work in an environment that may involve malodorous vapors, low-dose radiation, toxic chemicals and acids, carcinogenic substances, or other hazardous materials.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with image-correlation or 3D visualization software.
Experience training researchers in complex technical procedures.
Strong computer skills, including comfort learning new instrument-control and data-handling software.

Responsibilities

Run sample preparation, cryo-FIB milling, and imaging for facility users and collaborative projects.
Operate, maintain, and configure cryo-FIB/SEM systems, cryo-light microscopes, and sample-preparation equipment.
Collect and organize imaging and experimental data, and maintain accurate daily records of instrument use and equipment performance.
Evaluate whether images, milled samples, and preparation runs are suitable for use, and determine what changes are needed when they are not.
Troubleshoot hardware, software, and technique issues, consulting SOPs and literature before involving vendors or colleagues.
Consult with researchers on experimental design and sample strategy, and advise them about feasibility.
Build or adapt protocols for projects not covered by existing workflows, spanning sample preparation, FIB milling, imaging, and data correlation.
Review scientific literature and emerging technologies, and implement ideas that may improve facility methods and capabilities.
Train users and staff in cryo-FIB, cryo-CLEM, and sample-preparation workflows, including hands-on demonstrations.
Help plan facility capabilities, order supplies, and schedule instrument time.