(Senior) Research Associate, Cryo-EM

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.•Cambridge, MA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Cryo-EM Microscopist to support cryo-EM workflows from grid vitrification to data collection at Fathem. This role will focus on the production of high quality cryo-EM grids and datasets of biomolecules - including soluble proteins, membrane proteins, and nanoparticles - with a strong emphasis on high-throughput, high-quality data generation. You will work at the intersection of protein biochemistry, structural biology, and AI-driven technology development, building robust grid preparation and imaging workflows that directly feed data into next-generation computational models. This is a hands-on, fast-moving role for someone who enjoys solving hard biochemical problems and seeing their work rapidly translate into new insights and capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, physics, chemistry, or a related field, with at least 2 years of post-baccalaureate experience in an academic or industry laboratory.
Hands-on experience with preparing cryo-EM grids of soluble protein, membrane protein, and nanoparticle samples, as well as grid clipping and microscope loading.
Proficiency with ThermoFisher cryo-TEMs (e.g., Glacios, Arctica, Krios) and automated cryo-EM data acquisition software (e.g., EPU, SerialEM, Leginon).
Willingness to travel to local collaborator sites as needed.
Ability to rigorously document their work in an ELN and maintain an electronic LIMS.

Responsibilities

Prepare cryo-EM grids and collect data across diverse biomolecular systems—delivering high-quality datasets with speed, consistency, and rigor.
Execute across the cryo-EM workflow—from vitrification and grid screening to high-throughput data acquisition on Thermo Fisher microscopes.
Operate and refine workflows to enable reproducible, high-throughput data generation, supporting the transition to standardized, scalable operations.
Troubleshoot challenging samples and improve grid prep and imaging protocols to increase success rates and robustness.
Contribute to external programs by executing experiments and ensuring delivery of high-quality datasets aligned to project goals.
Partner with protein science and computational teams to ensure data quality and enable tight integration with downstream modeling.
Maintain rigorous records in ELN/LIMS systems to ensure reproducibility and traceability.
Generate high-quality data that powers AI-driven workflows and supports ongoing automation and system improvement.