Research Specialist - Cryo FIB-SEM

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology's deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work. We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community.

Summary:

The HHMI cryoEM Shared Resource at Janelia Research Campus is a world-class core facility with a large and diverse user base. It serves the entire HHMI community nationwide for cutting-edge research in structural and cellular biology. The facility currently hosts three highly configured Titan Krios microscopes, with a 4th Krios microscope being installed, an Aquilos2 cryo focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (cryo FIB-SEM), a Hydra plasma cryo FIB-SEM, multiple screening electron microscopes, cryo light microscopes, and cryo grids preparation equipment.

The main function of the facility is 1) high-throughput, high-quality data collection on user-provided ready-to-image cryo grids utilizing either single particle or cryo-electron tomography; 2) use the cryo FIB-SEM system to mill thick samples for cryo TEM imaging or high resolution SEM imaging; 3) collaborate on research projects with HHMI labs when needed; 4) implement and test new methods/protocols to better help users.

The facility is currently seeking candidates for a cryo FIB-SEM research specialist position.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Interdependent, team-wide support in daily operations; hands-on training and mentorship.
• Access to world-class researchers, resources, and impactful science as part of your career development.
• The opportunity to contribute your expertise to a shared resource that enables high-quality research.
• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.
• A healthy work-life balance, with on-site childcare, free gyms, on-campus housing, vibrant social and dining spaces, and shuttle-bus service to Janelia from the Washington, DC metro area!

• Maintain and operate cryo FIB-SEM microscopes, light microscopes and various sample preparation equipment.
• Lead experiments on sample preparation, light microscopy, FIB milling and SEM imaging.
• Train and oversee users and staff on sample preparation, light microscopy, cryo FIB milling and SEM imaging.
• Closely work with users inside or outside Janelia to either provide routine services or contribute to collaboration projects.
• Lead or participate in the development and/or implementation of new protocols and methods for sample preparation, screening, instrument operation, data collection and data curation.
• Actively seek opportunities to expand own skill set and incorporate new innovations into facility workflow.
• Communicate frequently and work closely with other team members, users and other research facilities to plan and execute experiments.
• Log and troubleshoot equipment issues, communicate and work with colleagues and vendor engineers to fix equipment issues.
• Maintain daily experimental logs for equipment usage and manage sample storage.
• Bookkeep and maintain records for projects and experiments. Summarize experimental results and communicate with team members and users to report progress.
• Bookkeep and manage lab supplies and proactively order supplies before running out.

• Master's degree with 4+ years research experiences, or PhD degree.
• Experiences in cryo-FIB, or cryoEM are preferred.
• Experiences in cell biology, structural biology, or biochemistry are a plus.
• Motivated and willing to learn, develop, and test new methods, techniques, tools, and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly interactive and rapidly changing environment, and being able to handle multitask.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and users.
• Enthusiastic to take on new challenges.
• Good knowledge and practical skills with computers, linux operating system, bash scripting and simple programming in Python is a plus.