Cryo-FIB Research Specialist

Howard Hughes Medical Institute•Ashburn, VA

6d•$71,760 - $104,700•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for an individual who wants to operate advanced microscopes, perform reliable sample preparation and imaging, and contribute to new protocol development. The cryoEM Shared Resource at Janelia Research Campus supports cryo-electron microscopy research for the entire HHMI community. The facility is equipped with four Titan Krios microscopes, two cryo-FIB/SEM systems (Aquilos2 and Helios Hydra), cryo light microscopes, and grid preparation equipment, making it one of HHMI's busiest and most technically demanding resources. The position focuses on cryo-FIB/SEM, cryo-light microscopy and CLEM, and advanced cryo-EM sample preparation. The majority of the time will be dedicated to routine operations such as sample preparation, FIB milling, imaging, and data collection for facility users and collaborators. The role also involves developing or adapting protocols when existing ones are insufficient, staying updated on literature and emerging technologies, and training other scientists in mastered techniques. Collaboration with facility staff and research groups nationwide is expected, including translating researcher needs into concrete plans and communicating feasibility. This role is on-site at Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia.

Requirements

Hands-on experience with cryo-FIB/SEM, cryo-EM sample preparation, or cryo-light microscopy techniques.
Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and achieve performance from instruments like a Titan Krios or a Helios Hydra.
Meticulous record-keeping, including logs, sample tracking, and daily records.
Commitment to ensuring results are accurate and scientifically sound.
Ability to assess the quality of images or milled samples and determine if further work is needed.
Skill in training others through delicate procedures.
Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to develop new protocols when existing ones are insufficient.
Genuine curiosity about the science, following literature and new techniques.
Taking responsibility for one's part in a shared process and proactively addressing issues.
Minimum of 4 years research experience.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Run sample preparation, cryo-FIB milling, and imaging for facility users and collaborative projects, day in and day out.
Operate, maintain, and configure the cryo-FIB/SEM systems, cryo light microscopes, and sample-prep equipment.
Collect and organize imaging and experimental data, and keep accurate daily records of instrument use and equipment performance.
Judge whether an image, a milled sample, or a prep run is good enough to use, and know what to change when it is not.
Troubleshoot problems across hardware, software, and technique, working through SOPs and literature before pulling in a vendor or colleague.
Consult with researchers on experimental design and sample strategy, and guide them on what is feasible and realistic.
Build or adapt protocols when an existing one doesn't cover what a project needs, from sample prep through FIB milling, imaging and data correlation.
Review the scientific literature and new technologies, and bring back and implement ideas that could improve the facility's methods and capabilities.
Train users and staff on cryo-FIB, cryo-CLEM, and sample prep workflows, including hands-on demonstration.
Help plan facility capabilities, order supplies, and schedule instrument time.