Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Manager

Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Richmond, VA

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Manager position at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a pivotal role within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). This facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art ThermoFisher Tundra Cryo-EM instrument and ancillary equipment, and the manager will be responsible for its maintenance and day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will report directly to the Faculty Director and will be tasked with a variety of functions that are essential for the smooth operation of the facility. Key responsibilities include preparing samples, operating the microscope, and collecting and analyzing data for users, which involves assisted use of the equipment. The manager will also provide training on techniques such as negative staining, cryo-EM, data collection, and initial image processing for 3D reconstruction. A significant aspect of the role involves maintaining thorough scientific records of sample preparation, operating sessions, and instrument events, ensuring that all activities are documented accurately. In addition to operational duties, the Facility Manager will participate in grant writing for future instrument upgrades, allocate and track time usage, apply user charges, and manage purchasing and budget administration. The role requires close interaction with the faculty core Director and involves preparing the annual Research Performance Progress Report, as well as developing and adhering to facility standard operating procedures. This position is crucial for fostering a collaborative research environment and supporting the university's mission to advance transformative research and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and carry out sample insertion and data collection on the electron microscope.
• Perform periodic maintenance tasks and upkeep of the electron microscope and the facility.
• Conduct image processing to obtain a preliminary 3D model of the target macromolecule.
• Collaborate with the core director and core users to allocate time and ensure regulatory compliance.
• 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, and manage purchasing and budget administration.
• Prepare the annual Research Performance Progress Report.
• Develop and follow facility standard operating procedures.

Requirements

• MSc degree in structural biology or a closely related field with two or more years of hands-on experience in cryo-EM and image processing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; personable with core laboratory customer interaction and service experience.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment.

Nice-to-haves

• PhD with hands-on experience in cryo-EM and image processing for 5 years or more.
• Track record of publications in cryo-EM, single-particle image processing, 3D reconstruction, and building atomic models of proteins.
• Experience with 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.

Benefits

• 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