Scientist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Physics or related field and 4 years of relevant experience with electron microscopy-based sample characterization.
• Expertise in single-particle analysis workflows for cryo-EM.
• Proficiency in cryo-EM data processing software such as cryoSPARC, Relion, EMAN, Dynamo, and/or IMOD, including experience with tools commonly used for tomography data processing.
• Proficiency in structural modeling and validation software such as Phenix, Rosetta, Chimera, ISOLDE, Namdinator, and COOT.
• Strong experience working in command-line environments (Linux/Unix terminals)
• Proven experience mentoring and training researchers in cryo-EM and ns-EM techniques.
• Strong technical and scientific problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A collaborative mindset with a strong desire to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate degree in biochemistry, biology, or any other relevant field preferred.
• At least 4 years of hands-on experience in cryo-electron microscopy, including sample preparation, data collection, image processing, and structure building.
• Experience with cryoEM structure determination of small (sub-100 kDa) protein structures.
• Familiarity with managing and maintaining cryo-EM instrumentation.
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and cryo-EM sample optimization.
• Strong understanding of structural biology principles and their application to protein design and analysis.
• Experience with grant writing or securing funding for scientific projects.
• Ability to publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.
• Experience implementing or contributing to automated data collection workflows for cryo-EM.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments for large-scale data processing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct structural studies of computationally designed proteins and protein nanomaterials using negative-stain EM and cryo-EM single-particle analysis (with an emphasis on sub-100 kDa protein structure determination).
• Process and analyze EM data, perform 3D reconstructions, and build and validate structural models.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers to provide structural insights into protein design projects.
• Prepare manuscripts, generate publication-quality figures, and contribute to the communication of research findings through presentations and written documentation.
• Train and mentor junior researchers, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and staff, in negative-stain EM and cryo-EM methodologies.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for negative-stain and cryo-EM workflows.
• Manage and maintain IPD-specific EM equipment, including three Talos L120C microscopes, a negative-stain sample preparation station, and a cryo-EM sample preparation station which includes a Vitrobot Mark IV.
• Coordinate service and maintenance schedules for IPD-specific instruments and ensure optimal performance.
• Work with department-owned instrumentation, including the on-site 200 kV Glacios, 300 kV Krios, 120 kV T-12 Spirit, and Aquilos for FIB-milling, as as needed to support IPD research and collaborative efforts.
• Coordinate the scheduling, operation, and remote utilization of Cryo-EM instruments at national centers, ensuring efficient use of IPD-allocated resources and overseeing the shipment of samples to support research objectives.

Benefits

• For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/