Electron Microscopy Technician

The Electron Microscopy technician will assist with the operations of a state-of-the-art, multi-user Electron Microscopy Laboratory at The Scripps Research Institute.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
• Assist with Electron Microscopy (EM) operations and instrument maintenance to ensure the facility runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Undertake projects or tasks related to electron microscopy.
• Provide training on the operation of the electron microscopes to TSRI scientists, faculty and staff.
• Maintain the electron microscopes and associated equipment, changing filaments, troubleshooting problems and assuring instrument integrity by arranging for service or by providing solutions. Oversee operation of transmission and scanning electron microscopes and maintenance of ancillary equipment, including QC, validation, and day-to-day operation.
• Arrange for equipment service as needed.
• Undertake EM sample preparation and visualization including fixation, embedding and ultrathin sectioning, Immunogold labeling, and negative staining.
• Deliver EM Training to TSRI’s research community with facilitated access to: EM including transmission and scanning EM; through assistance with specimen preparation, microscope operation, image acquisition. Assist users, and/or provide user training in areas of electron microscope operation, specimen preparation, imaging, analysis and documentation. Provide necessary quality-controlled protocols and reagents for direct use in applications or for user applications as needed.
• Maintain a current understanding of “state-of-the-art” knowledge in EM fields, including correlative light and electron microscopy approaches.
• Maintain all records relevant to instrument usage, maintenance, material and reagent use, chemical stocks and other inventories.
• Coordinate with Light Microscopy (LM) Core staff to administer correlative microscopy applications utilizing LM and EM.
• Conduct billing for services on schedule as required by the financial system.
• Maintain lab environment and records in compliance with Environmental Health & Safety requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the Electron Microscopy Core.
DECISION MAKING
Use professional knowledge and collaborative skills to develop concepts and principles and to achieve objectives in creative and effective ways.
 
COMMUNICATION
Interact daily with other members of the Cores, as well as with TSRI scientific staff (faculty and support staff, postdocs, research technicians, research associates/scientists, and students). Interact on a frequent basis with Electron Microscopy Core staff to coordinate services and development of new technologies. Engage in periodic interactions with other TSRI departments, including Environmental Health & Safety, Procurement, Finance, IT Services and scientific services cores. Periodically interact with external contacts including vendors, professional organizations and colleagues from peer facilities.
SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY
Work on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables. Exercise judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Use professional experience and judgement to contribute to development of Microscopy Service concepts and principles and to achieve objectives in creative and effective ways.
SUPERVISION OF OTHERS
Individual contributor. Does not supervise, but if there are lower level specialists within the department, may provide functional guidance.

This position works in a laboratory environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

• Bachelors in a life science field, such as cell biology, developmental biology, biochemistry or similar.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience working with EM techniques.
• Experience with specialized EM techniques such as ultracryomicrotomy and immunogold labeling preferred.
• Working knowledge of design, theory and operation of modern transmission electron microscopes, including skill and experience in their operation.
• Experience with biological experimental design and implementation.
• Experience in general mammalian dissection, cellular organelles and ultrastructure.
• Experience with mouse anatomy and tissue preparation, together with ultrastructural pathology preferred.
• Knowledge of plant, invertebrate, bacterial and viral EM imaging and ultrastructure preferred.
• Experience and understanding of EM preparatory equipment such as tissue processors, ultramicrotomes, sputter coater and carbon evaporators.
• Ability to troubleshoot when problems arise and determine course of action for maintenance and service.
• Experience training others in electron microscopy.
• Experience in digital image acquisition and preparation, including familiarity with contemporary image analysis software such as ImageJ, Imaris, Volocity, etc., in addition to programs such as SIS, Adobe Photoshop or other comparable programs.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and standard operating procedures needed to carry out all job responsibilities in a safe manner in order to protect one’s self and those around them, minimizing or eliminating exposure to hazardous materials and/or conditions.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and technical problem solving skills. The individual must be able to organize electronic data, information and images as well as laboratory equipment (microscopes, sample preparation, etc.).
• Ability to effectively organize their time, and that of others, to accommodate user needs and be responsive to the user base in both a timely and equitable manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, especially in developing experimental approaches in collaboration with PI’s.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse array of people from a wide variety of cultural and educational backgrounds, both individually and in groups.

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.