IV, Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Research Support

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

4d•$70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Center for Biomedical Research Support (CBRS) is a collection of 10 service centers that operates under the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors (OVPR) and broadly supports the research community on campus and externally. CBRS serves a central role across all of campus to provide access to cutting-edge technology, expert advice, and centralized services. CBRS is comprised of core facilities including Biomedical Imaging, Bioinformatics, Biological Mass Spectrometry, Biomedical Research Computing, Cryo-EM imaging, Genome Sequencing, Microscopy/Flow Cytometry and Mouse Genetic Engineering. In addition, CBRS provides laboratory support in the forms of stockrooms, electronics repair, and external services drop boxes. UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage Retirement contributions Paid vacation and sick time Paid holidays Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered. The Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory (SSBL) is a state-of-the-art electron microscopy (EM) facility equipped with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and CryoEM capabilities. Our instruments include a FEI Titan Krios with a Biocontinuum GIF and K3 direct detector, a Thermo-Fisher Glacios with a Falcon IVi detector, and a JEOL 1400 Flash with a ClearView camera and Oxford Instruments Xplore detector. SSBL is seeking motivated and collaborative candidates for a TEM Specialist position. This evergreen posting will assist in recruiting for either a RESA III or a RESA IV position based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. We welcome applicants who are eager to contribute to a high-performance research core facility, support cutting-edge structural biology research, and grow professionally within a dynamic, service‑oriented environment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in life or physical sciences, or in a field related to the work to be performed.
At least 2 years’ experience operating or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes, with at least 1 year of experience using cryo-TEM for imaging of biological samples.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working in a team environment and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary user base.
Strong commitment to building and maintaining a positive work environment.
Ability to work independently or as a team member.
Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to complete tasks thoroughly and accurately, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Master’s degree in life or physical sciences, or in a field related to the work to be performed.
At least 4 years’ experience operating or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes, with at least 3 years of experience using cryo-TEM for imaging of biological samples.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working in a team environment and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary user base.
Strong commitment to building and maintaining a positive work environment.
Ability to work independently or as a team member.
Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to complete tasks thoroughly and accurately, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Over 2 years’ experience operating or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes with over 1 year experience using cryo-TEM for imaging of biological samples and or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes.
Experience in the use and operation of FEI/ThermoFisher Scientific and JEOL electron microscopes.
Familiarity with SPA cryo-em workflows/equipment, with knowledge of cryo-ET and microED data collection and processing as a plus.
Experience using SerialEM.
Experience with training or assisting others on a variety of projects.
Experience in a multi-user training facility environment.
Over 4 years’ experience operating or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes with over 3 years’ experience using cryo-TEM for imaging of biological samples and or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes.
Experience in the use and operation of FEI/ThermoFisher Scientific and JEOL electron microscopes.
Familiarity with SPA cryo-em workflows/equipment, with knowledge of cryo-ET and microED data collection and processing as a plus.
Experience using SerialEM.
Experience with training or assisting others on a variety of projects.
Experience in a multi-user training facility environment.

Responsibilities

Instrument Maintenance & Facility Support Assist with coordinating maintenance, service, and troubleshooting on transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) and ancillary equipment to ensure optimal performance.
User Training & Support Interface with users to provide training in sample preparation, microscope operation, and data collection workflows. Provide ongoing support for the user community.
Data Collection, Evaluation & Strategy Load samples, align/tune microscopes, and collect high-quality data on behalf of users or projects. Assess user-generated data and provide guidance to improve data quality. Assist in testing and optimizing new workflows and imaging conditions as applicable.
Facility Operations & Documentation Perform daily/weekly checks and tasks required for facility operations. Track consumables usage to ensure availability for facility operations. Assist with managing and tracking bookings and training activities using the facility scheduling system (FBS). Maintain accurate usage and performance logs.
Technical Resource & Collaboration Serve as a technical resource for researchers and colleagues. Stay informed about new developments in EM instrumentation, software, and techniques relevant to the facility’s mission.
Instrument Maintenance & Facility Support Independently coordinate maintenance, service, and troubleshooting on transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) and ancillary equipment to ensure optimal performance. Critically evaluate service operations and validate performance as appropriate.
User Training & Support Interface with users to provide training in sample preparation, microscope operation, and data collection workflows. Develop and update training materials for the community. Provide ongoing support for the user community. Serve as a subject‑matter expert for specialized experiments.
Data Collection, Evaluation & Strategy Load samples, align/tune microscopes, and collect high-quality data on behalf of users or projects. Assess user-generated data and provide guidance to improve data quality. Lead implementation of data collection strategies, protocols, and best practices for the user community.
Facility Operations & Documentation Perform daily/weekly checks and tasks required for facility operations. Track consumables usage to ensure availability for facility operations. Assist with managing and tracking bookings and training activities using the facility scheduling system (FBS). Maintain accurate usage and performance logs.
Technical Resource & Collaboration Serve as a technical resource for researchers and colleagues. Stay informed about new developments in EM instrumentation, software, and techniques relevant to the facility’s mission. Higher level staff may be expected to provide technical leadership, evaluate emerging technologies, present updates to the team, and recommend improvements.