Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Manager
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Maintenance
Posted on May 2, 2024
About Virginia Commonwealth University
We are the university for Virginia. We know that the unique backgrounds and life experiences of the VCU community are what drive the university forward. Together, we're forging a future that is built by us. Here, artists and engineers, doctors and designers come together to reimagine the human experience and tackle the problems of tomorrow. It's this mindset that makes us one of the top 20 most innovative public universities in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.
VCU's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation's (OVPRI) mission is to foster transformative research, discovery and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service.
Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and position the university as a national leader in research, innovation, creativity and scholarship. Our commitment has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and has placed VCU among the nation's premier public research universities. OVPRI link https://research.vcu.edu/
The OVPRI invites all interested candidates to apply for an exciting opportunity as the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Manager (Job Family - Research, Job Title – Scientist, Job Code - 33241).
Position Overview:
A Facility Manager position is available for the new Cryo-Electron Microscopy at VCU. The Facility has a ThermoFisher Tundra Cryo-EM instrument and ancillary equipment. The Manager will report to the Faculty Director and carry out the following functions:
• Maintenance and day-to-day upkeep of the cryo-EM Facility.
• Prepare samples, operate microscope, and collect and analyze data for users (assisted use).
• Provide training on negative staining, cryo-EM, data collection, and initial image processing for 3D reconstruction.
• Engage in thorough scientific record keeping of sample preparation, operating sessions, and instrument events.
• Participate in grant writing for future instrument upgrades.
• Allocate and track time usage, apply user charges, purchasing and budget administration.
• Interact with and take directions from the faculty core Director.
• Prepare the annual Research Performance Progress Report.
• Develop and follow facility standard operating procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare samples, carry out sample insertion and data collection on the electron microscope
- Carry out the periodic maintenance tasks and upkeep of the electron microscope and the Facility
- Carry out image processing to obtain a preliminary 3D of the target macromolecule
- Work with core director, core users, and allocate time and usage; ensure regulatory compliance.
- MSc degree in structural biology or a closely related field with two or more years hands-on experience in cryo-EM and image processing.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; personable. Core laboratory customer interaction and service is a major component of the role.
- Excellent organization skills and ability to maintain accurate laboratory records
- The candidate should have demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
- PhD with hands-on experience in cryo-EM and image processing for 5 years or more
- Track record of publications in the areas of cryo-EM, single-particle image processing, 3D reconstruction, and building of atomic models of proteins.
- Experience in hardware of linux systems and cryo-EM image processing/model building software such as cryosparc, Relion, penix, and coot.
- Prior experience in a centralized core facility or shared resource, preferably at a managerial level.
All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays and more.
Explore our robust benefit package here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/
In a world of the common, we are the UNCOMMON and UNSTOPPABLE. It's innovation at work. VCU is nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, a place of opportunity where your success is supported and your career can thrive, and more than 300,000 strong.
Salary Range: Salary range starting at $70K, with offered salary commensurate with experience and demonstrated exp
Position Details:
Department:
Job Information: Job Family - Research, Job Title - Scientist, Job Code - 33241
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt
