Electron Microscopist
About The Position
The Electron Microscopist uses a transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, and related laboratory equipment to test air and water samples for asbestos and qualify and quantify findings. The role is part of the Facilities Environmental Technical Unit (FETU), which manages hazardous-material abatement and compliance with state and federal asbestos regulations. The position prepares and analyzes samples, identifies and characterizes asbestos fibers, operates and maintains laboratory instruments, follows quality-control and safety requirements, and maintains test records and supplies. Employment is subject to medical clearance, an asbestos medical examination, and wearing a negative-pressure respirator when required.
Requirements
- Twelve semester units, or equivalent quarter units, in chemistry, geochemistry, physics, crystallography, geology, mineralogy, or related courses at a recognized college or university.
- One year of experience performing transmission electron microscopy.
- Normal color perception.
- Medical clearance and passage of an asbestos medical examination before employment.
- Ability to wear a negative-pressure respirator.
Nice To Haves
- College coursework in microscopy is preferred.
- Thorough knowledge of electron microscopy methods and techniques and asbestos sample preparation for transmission electron microscope analysis.
- Knowledge of operating transmission electron microscopes, energy dispersive spectrometers, vacuum evaporators, and plasma ashers.
- Knowledge of laboratory procedures, quality-control standards, record-keeping requirements, safe laboratory practices, and current developments in electron microscopic analysis of fibers.
- Precision, attention to detail, and observational skills to identify asbestos types and characteristics, interpret findings, and measure subtle differences in the shape and size of substances analyzed.
- Ability to conduct meticulous microscope resolution tests; clean, calibrate, and align electron microscopes and related instruments; and perform standard microscopy methods and repetitive procedures accurately without close supervision.
- Ability to maintain laboratory practices meeting National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program quality-assurance and quality-control requirements.
Responsibilities
- Prepare air and water samples for electron microscopy using laboratory equipment such as a stereo microscope, plasma asher, and vacuum evaporator.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of suspected asbestos samples and determine the type and amount of asbestos found.
- Use selected-area electron diffraction to classify asbestos fibers by their diffraction patterns.
- Perform x-ray energy dispersive spectrometry to analyze and characterize individual asbestos fibers’ elemental composition.
- Operate the electron microscope camera to photograph samples.
- Calibrate and align the electron microscope and other laboratory equipment, and conduct resolution tests to assess microscope operations.
- Clean microscopes and other laboratory instruments using appropriate methods.
- Apply District guidelines and governmental quality-control standards when performing laboratory work.
- Maintain files of laboratory test results and samples.
- Request and maintain related laboratory supplies.
Benefits
- Paid premiums for a choice of medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).
- Full-time employees earn up to two weeks of paid vacation to start, increasing to three weeks after five years of year-round paid service.
- Up to 13 paid holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
