Cryo-electron Microscopy Support Specialist
Salary: £36,000 to £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: Full-time, indefinite
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 1 November 2024
Reference: 1004774
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
To support the users of the JIC Bioimaging Facility with their electron microscopy experiments, particularly the use of cryo-TEM techniques. A significant portion of the role will involve providing training and technical assistance to all users. Once trained by the Facility Manager, the postholder will be expected to maintain the electron microscopy equipment and troubleshoot any issues as they arise. They will be the primary staff member supporting the transmission electron microscope (TEM) within the facility and will also be expected to support other electron microscopes and techniques as needed.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
1. Contribute to the smooth running of the Bioimaging facility through the most effective use of resources, helping with service work, assistance and training staff and students, supervision of visitors to the lab, and always encouraging scientific excellence. (70%)
2. Plan, perform, troubleshoot and analyse TEM and SEM experiments as necessary, using the results to assist in the preparation of manuscripts for the research groups. (10%)
3. Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements. (10%)
4. Assist with outreach activities organised by the Bioimaging facility, involving interactions with school children, the public and other external visitors. (5%)
5. As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees. (5%)
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement: BSc or equivalent in a field related to Biological Sciences (Essential)
Requirement: PhD or equivalent in a field related to Biological Sciences (Desirable)
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Essential: Hands-on experience of performing cryo-TEM experiments including screening and data collection.
Essential: Hands-on experience operating a transmission electron microscope.
Essential: Experience with negative stain preparation for TEM.
Desirable: Experience in processing data from single particle analysis experiments.
Desirable: Experience in performing cryo-tomography experiments.
Desirable: Experience in maintaining microscopy equipment.
Desirable: Hands-on experience operating a scanning electron microscope.
Desirable: Experience operating a high-pressure freezer.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Essential: Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and optimize experimental conditions.
Essential: Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills.
Essential: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
Essential: Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team.
Essential: Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group.
Essential: Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures.
Essential: Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Additional Requirements
Essential: Promotes equality and values diversity.
Essential: Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work.
Essential: Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute.
Essential: Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required.
Essential: Attention to detail.
Essential: Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate.
Essential: Promotes and strives for continuous improvement.
Desirable: Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars.
Who We Are
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).
Department
Cell & Developmental Biology
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