Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate III/IV, Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory, Center for...

Job Posting Title:

Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate III/IV, Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Research Support

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Hiring Department:

Center for Biomedical Research Support

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

To Be Determined at Offer

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Earliest Start Date:

Ongoing

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Center for Biomedical Research Support (CBRS) is a collection of 10 service centers that operates under the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors (OVPR) and broadly supports the research community on campus and externally. CBRS serves a central role across all of campus to provide access to cutting-edge technology, expert advice, and centralized services. CBRS is comprised of core facilities including Biomedical Imaging, Bioinformatics, Biological Mass Spectrometry, Biomedical Research Computing, Cryo-EM imaging, Genome Sequencing, Microscopy/Flow Cytometry and Mouse Genetic Engineering. In addition, CBRS provides laboratory support in the forms of stockrooms, electronics repair, and external services drop boxes.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Purpose

The Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory (SSBL) is a state-of-the-art electron microscopy (EM) facility equipped with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and CryoEM capabilities. Our instruments include a FEI Titan Krios with a Biocontinuum GIF and K3 direct detector, a Thermo-Fisher Glacios with a Falcon IVi detector, and a JEOL 1400 Flash with a ClearView camera and Oxford Instruments Xplore detector. SSBL is seeking motivated and collaborative candidates for a TEM Specialist position.

This evergreen posting will assist in recruiting for either a RESA III or a RESA IV position based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. We welcome applicants who are eager to contribute to a high-performance research core facility, support cutting-edge structural biology research, and grow professionally within a dynamic, service-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

RESA III

Instrument Maintenance & Facility Support

• Assist with coordinating maintenance, service, and troubleshooting on transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) and ancillary equipment to ensure optimal performance.

User Training & Support

• Interface with users to provide training in sample preparation, microscope operation, and data collection workflows.
• Provide ongoing support for the user community.

Data Collection, Evaluation & Strategy

• Load samples, align/tune microscopes, and collect high-quality data on behalf of users or projects.
• Assess user-generated data and provide guidance to improve data quality.
• Assist in testing and optimizing new workflows and imaging conditions as applicable.

Facility Operations & Documentation

• Perform daily/weekly checks and tasks required for facility operations.
• Track consumables usage to ensure availability for facility operations.
• Assist with managing and tracking bookings and training activities using the facility scheduling system (FBS).
• Maintain accurate usage and performance logs.

Technical Resource & Collaboration

• Serve as a technical resource for researchers and colleagues.
• Stay informed about new developments in EM instrumentation, software, and techniques relevant to the facility's mission.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in life or physical sciences, or in a field related to the work to be performed.
• At least 2 years' experience operating or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes, with at least 1 year of experience using cryo-TEM for imaging of biological samples.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working in a team environment and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary user base.
• Strong commitment to building and maintaining a positive work environment.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member.
• Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to complete tasks thoroughly and accurately, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Over 2 years' experience operating or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes with over 1 year experience using cryo-TEM for imaging of biological samples and or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes.
• Experience in the use and operation of FEI/ThermoFisher Scientific and JEOL electron microscopes.
• Familiarity with SPA cryo-em workflows/equipment, with knowledge of cryo-ET and microED data collection and processing as a plus.
• Ex