Research Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Master’s degree in life or physical sciences, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience operating or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes.
• At least 3 years of experience using cryo-TEM to image biological samples.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff, providing direction, and supporting professional development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for teamwork and collaboration with a multidisciplinary 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 and ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Experience using SerialEM.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience in a multi-user core facility, including training, troubleshooting, and assisting researchers with varied biological projects.
• Deep knowledge of single-particle analysis (SPA) cryo-EM workflows and equipment; knowledge of cryo-ET and microED data collection and processing is a plus.
• Strong computational expertise relevant to cryo-EM research, including Linux environments, scientific scripting, workflow automation, GPU-based processing, or high-performance computing.
• Experience developing, troubleshooting, or improving cryo-EM data-processing workflows, with understanding of associated computing, storage, and data-transfer requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to connect microscopy operations with computational resources and research workflows, collaborating with researchers, technical staff, and institutional computing partners.
• Thorough understanding of cryo-EM theory and practical technical considerations for data collection and analysis.
• Track record of contributing to scientific endeavors or publications in electron microscopy.
• Experience using and operating FEI/ThermoFisher Scientific and JEOL electron microscopes.

Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor microscope and camera system performance.
• Maintain and coordinate service for cryo-EM, TEM, SEM, and ancillary equipment to keep instruments in working condition for high-resolution structural studies.
• Monitor microscope facilities and ancillary systems and coordinate service and maintenance as needed.
• Help plan and maintain the computing environment for data collection and image processing, coordinating with CBRS research computing staff and institutional partners.
• Consult with client laboratories on experiment planning and execution.
• Evaluate, supervise, and mentor staff, supporting their professional development.
• Serve as a technical resource for colleagues, CBRS administration, and the academic community, advising on workflows and equipment choices.
• Lead community outreach and engagement, including workshops, user meetings, training programs, and scientific events.
• Lead development and review of service rates and cost-recovery models, aligning them with institutional policies, operational sustainability, and user needs.
• Participate in budget development, financial planning, rate reviews, and cost-recovery analyses to support sustainable facility operations and growth.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays