Position Description

The Harvard Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center for Structural Biology (HC2EM) is seeking a talented and motivated individual to join our multidisciplinary team as a core research scientist to help move forward groundbreaking structural biology research. The successful candidate will provide support and training for researchers seeking to learn cryo-EM/ET and negative-stain EM in the HC2EM and the associated Molecular Electron Microscopy Suite, serving as an interface between the instrumentation and a vibrant scientific community.

The HC2EM is a collaborative endeavor of Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Our mission is to advance structural biology research by providing cutting-edge cryo-EM instrumentation and expertise to consortium members and a variety of external academic and commercial users. Operational since the end of 2018, our facility (https://cryoem.hms.harvard.edu/hc2em) is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including two FEI Titan Krios electron microscopes featuring Volta phase plates, Selectris energy filters, and Falcon4i direct detectors, as well as an Aquilos 2 FIB-SEM and a FEI Talos Arctica electron microscope with a K3 direct detector.

As a Core Scientist, you will play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the facility, providing scientific support to users and contributing to general facility maintenance. The key responsibilities include:

• Serving as the technical interface between users and the Talos Arctica and Titan Krios microscopes by loading samples and checking microscope alignments.
• Training users to operate TEM microscopes, specifically the Tecnai T12, Talos Arctica, and Titan Krios; including sample preparation (negative stain and cryo-plunging), grid loading, sample screening, and data collection.
• Advising researchers on experimental strategy and, when appropriate, collaborate with them to assist in data acquisition, analysis, and structure determination.
• Working closely with the core facilities’ team to manage microscope and equipment maintenance, maintain facility supplies, coordinate user intake, scheduling, and training, and interface with SBGrid to assist with the computational needs of both facilities.
• Other duties as needed.

This position will have a high degree of independence, with opportunities for the successful individual to make presentations at regional and national scientific symposia and workshops, as well as opportunities to develop collaborative relationships with Harvard community investigators.
 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and at least one year of relevant work experience; OR
• A minimum of five years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Working Conditions

• May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, primary tissue, cell lines or infectious materials
• May work in a research environment where animals are present
• May be exposed to toxic, radioactive, or carcinogenic materials including compressed gases, acids, solvents, vacuum pump oils, and other chemicals
• May be required to work nights and weekends

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s or Ph.D. in biological science, chemistry, physical science, or related field preferred
• Basic knowledge of instrumentation and techniques used in structural biology
• Demonstrated wet lab experience in a biological laboratory setting
• Experience using transmission electron microscopes, ideally with FEI Titan Krios, Arctica, or Glacios microscopes with direct electron detectors
• Demonstrated ability to learn new procedures quickly
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member to accomplish research goals
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with attention to detail and a commitment to excellence
• Expertise in operating complex instrumentation and experience with sophisticated software systems

Additional Information

For consideration, please submit a cover letter and CV/resume, along with 3 professional references who can speak to your experiences and abilities.

This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities! (https://www.gem.com ?formID=16341e35-cbc6-4904-88a3-09b35763307e)
 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-values-diversity-statement

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.