Cryo-EM Center Research Core Scientist

12-Feb-2024

Harvard Medical School

65047BR

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

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

Physical Requirements

• Lifting (up to approximately 50 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion including repetitive motions
• Standing and/or sitting for extended periods

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 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)

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

R1056P Research Core Scientist II

Department

Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology (BCMP)

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

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.

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