Electron Microscopy Expert

The Electron Microscopy Platform (EMP) Bio-Imaging Core at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research is looking for an enthusiastic and driven electron microscopy expert to join the team.

Interested in a virtual tour? You are welcome to visit us via https://360.cbd.vib.be/en/facilities/electron-microscopy

The EMP facility provides world-class electron microscopy imaging to the investigators at VIB and KU Leuven as well as external clients.

The EMP harbors a variety of equipment for sample preparation, three TEMs including JEOL JEM-F200 with Gatan GIF Continuum K3 direct detector, as well three SEMs: conventional SEM, one of SEM equipped with an inverted fluorescence microscope (SECOM), other with an integrated 3View ultramicrotome.

Together with the other team members, the electron microscopy expert is expected to give excellent support to all users of the facility as well as to contribute to the development of all-electron imaging and preparation activities that are ongoing at the EMP.

The successful candidate provides essential technical support to improve the research throughput of our state-of-the-art EM facility. The electron microscopy expert will be responsible for assisting the EMP in the delivery of a professional and comprehensive EM service. This service will include EM sample preparation, assisting users in their imaging experiments, and involvement in the training of new users. The successful candidate will work closely with the members of the team in order to achieve the center's aims of providing access to advanced imaging capabilities in a sustainable environment through efficient cost recovery. Therefore, the successful candidate should have practical experience in biological scientific research work.

The job requires skills in sample preparation (such as ultramicrotomy and cryo-methods) and operation of TEM and/or SEM (volume EM and cryo-EM will be a plus). The successful candidate is expected to continuously work on professional development in the field of bio-imaging and instrument development.

Required

• Ph.D. and/or MSc degree in life science area is required (preferably with a strong interest in engineering), with at least 4-5 years of relevant experience
• Hands-on experience in sample preparation methods
• Experience in operation of a TEM, SEM (advanced EM imaging will be a plus)
• Experience in ultramicrotomy
• Affinity with solving technical problems related to equipment and preparation
• Highly service-oriented and constructive mindset
• Strong communicative skills (both verbal and written) 

Opportunity to do cutting-edge science in a supportive and collaborative team. The candidate will join the vibrant community at VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research in a lab equipped with state-of-the-art tools. This is a fully-funded permanent position.

Interested applicants should submit an application through the VIB online application tool.

Please include:

• A cover letter describing your experience
• A CV with a complete publication list
• Motivation (~1 page)
• 2-3 reference letters or referee contacts.

The position is immediately available. The vacancy will stay open until the position is filled.

For information and questions, contact, [email protected]

About the City of Leuven and Flanders

Leuven is an attractive European university city with a rich history and a lively atmosphere. The area has a strong biotechnology sector with spin-offs and start-ups. This, together with the presence of the University of Leuven and the University Hospital, make Leuven mainly internationally oriented and tech-minded, and a natural home for researchers and their families. English is very widely spoken in the city and surrounding area.

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