Cryo-Electron Microscopy Scientist Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience Preferred Qualifications: Background in Structural Biology or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Experience with Cryo-EM data collection and analysis, preferably using Thermo-Fisher cryo-electron microscopes and Gatan cameras, automated data collection using SerialEM, microscope alignment and routine maintenance Expertise in Cryo-EM sample preparation, especially grid preparation including autogrid clipping and loading into the cassette/autoloader Expertise in single-particle data analysis, specifically in use of typical Cryo-EM software (e.g. RELION, cryoSparc etc.) Job Description: Are you energized by the idea of being a key contributor to groundbreaking research at a major university? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where you're constantly adapting protocols and solving new challenges? If so, The Office of Biotechnology at Iowa State University is seeking a Cryo-Electron Microscopy Scientist to join the team! This is a unique opportunity to direct a state-of-the-art core facility supporting high-impact research in structural biology, molecular biology, and interdisciplinary science. The Cryo-EM facility plays a central role in advancing Iowa State's research and education mission and contributes to strategic initiatives across campus and beyond. This position will be classified as a Research Scientist III. What You'll Do: In this role, you will be the primary scientific and technical lead overseeing the operation, maintenance, and user training associated with our Thermo Fisher Glacios microscope, Gatan K3 detector, and Thermo Fisher Vitrobot. The candidate will work independently to manage the instrumentation and is responsible for microscope alignment and sample loading. They will develop a workflow for the facility, including grid preparation, data collection, and analysis. The candidate will also be responsible for training users in grid preparation, data collection and analysis, including single-particle Cryo-EM software. In this senior-level role, the candidate will contribute to Iowa State's thriving research environment by collaborating with faculty, mentoring students and visiting scientists, and offering expert consultation on project design and data interpretation for on-campus and off-campus clients. They will also have the opportunity to participate in grant proposals, co-author publications, and develop and lead workshops and training sessions in Cryo-EM. Key Responsibilities: Operate, maintain, and align Cryo-EM instrumentation; coordinate service visits and troubleshoot technical issues Develop and optimize workflows for sample preparation, data collection, and single-particle analysis Provide one-on-one training and group instruction for users on Cryo-EM techniques and software Manage facility operations including budgeting, scheduling, billing, and rate structure development Engage in collaborative research; contribute to grant proposals, publications, and report Organize and teach Cryo-EM courses and workshops; mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers The successful candidate for this role will be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and eager to advance structural biology research. They will have excellent organizational and project management skills along with strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a broad range of users and collaborators. This individual will also have a willingness to learn and adapt to evolving technologies. This is a three year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal. Why Join Us? At Iowa State, you'll be part of a collegial and research-focused community. This position offers the chance to oversee direction of a premier facility, work at the forefront of structural biology, and shape the future of Cryo-EM training and research support on campus. This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted by July 27th, 2025. Level Guidelines Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU's mission and department or work unit goals Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team) May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist Provides guidance to students Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term) Proposed End Date or Length of Term: September 1, 2028 Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: PS810 Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email ... or call ... or Toll Free: .... Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) Life insurance and long-term disability Flexible Spending Accounts Various voluntary benefits and discounts Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing program Original Posting Date: June 30, 2025 Posting Close Date: Job Requisition Number: R17286 By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. ..., email .... If you have questions about the application process please email ... or call ... or Toll-Free at .... Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email ... or call ... or Toll-Free: .... TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or .... General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Job ID: 483928885
Originally Posted on: 7/3/2025
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