Senior Scientist, Cryogenic Electron Microscopy

Responsibilities

• The EM facility maintains a suite of microscopes and access to outside facilities. The candidate will maintain and execute the day-to-day operation of our Glacios TEM, including maintenance, troubleshooting, grid screening, and data collection.
• Execution of TEM projects in relevant biological contexts, including Single Particle Analysis and cryo-ET:
  • Design and implement a platform that bridges structural and cell biology using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), with a primary focus on cryo-ET data analysis. The goal is to enable in situ visualization of macromolecules and produce comprehensive structural models within their native cellular environments to advance novel scientific discovery and translational pipelines.
  • The candidate will engage with individuals and groups outside of the facility to understand their biological questions and carry out appropriate experiments collaboratively. 
  • In the context of relevant biology, the candidate will carry out grid preparation and sample optimization to increase the success of imaging sessions.
  • The candidate will be responsible for image processing, both semi-routine single-particle and advanced tomography processing.
  • For relevant single-particle projects, the candidate will process to uncover biologically important heterogeneity and flexibility.
  • Implement and explore multimodal data, specifically Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM) techniques, to identify biologically relevant targets of interest in cryoET data.
  • For segmentation, the candidate will carry out small amounts of manual segmentation while implementing AI-based segmentation tools.
  • Develop project-specific workflows and approaches to maximize information value.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., cell biology, bioinformatics, and structural modeling) to interpret complex analytical results, integrate imaging data with functional and mechanistic insights, and plan next-step experiments.
• Manage data integrity, sharing, storage, and transfer.
• Support the other hub instruments as needed, including our Krios TEM.
• Optimize the performance and uptime of TEM instruments, including preventative maintenance and management of service contracts.
• Ensure equitable access for the Altos community and help with the research, design, and implementation of imaging modalities.
• Collaborate broadly with the scientific community.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest research in the field and identify new areas of investigation and apply to ongoing projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Structural Biology or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in industry, demonstrating structural biology skills in a rapid-pace environment.
• Experience with modern Correlated Light and Electron Microscopy techniques and data processing
• Experience with Fluorescence Microscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures
• Strong track record of research excellence in modern Electron Microscopy modalities.
• Experience with cryoSPARC, ChimeraX, ISOLDE, Linux
• Assists with hub oversight and general operations; i.e. budget, equipment, etc.
• Excellent analytical skills, end-to-end data management experience and rigorous documentation standards.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Willingness to execute an industrial-style facility (EM as a service, limited user interaction with microscopes).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Amira, IMOD, WarpEM, Relion and other software packages.
• Experience with Benchling.
• Proficiency with Python, basic shell scripting.
• Compute infrastructure maintenance experience.

The salary range for Redwood City, CA:

• Senior Scientist I, Imaging Technologies: $171,000 - $240,000

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

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