2025-06-20
University of Pittsburgh
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
15260
United States
CryoEM Manager
The Department of Structural Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is located in Biomedical Science Tower 3. We currently have twelve faculty members working in the fields of cryo-electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and biochemistry. This CryoEM Manager position requires a B.S. degree plus at least five years of experience in negative stain electron microscopy and managing projects.
Directs day-to-day laboratory operations while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and best practices. Works with, adapts, and installs scientific equipment in research laboratories. Develops moderately complex projects and procedures independently. Manages inventory and equipment and performs budget functions. Collaborates to write grant applications and manuscripts.
Skills sought include strong ability to work with users of the CryoEM Center to manage and track their projects, samples and data; to maintain records of use and prepare billing documentation; to communicate effectively orally and in writing, to arrange service on all center instrumentation; and to ensure optimal operating conditions in the CryoEM space for users to perform EM experiments. Competency with negative-stain electron microscopy from grid preparation to imaging is important. Familiarity with cryo-electron microscopy is an advantage, but training will be given. With experience, the manager will be expected to collect data for users/collaborators, and to train users on negative-stain and cryo-electron microscopy.
Manage EM projects including interfacing with groups seeking negative-stain EM and cryoEM data, tracking their samples and grids made from them, optimizing grids for EM data collection, collecting data withs software such as EPU, ensuring datasets are tracked and safely passed on to recipients, and advising on sample prep conditions and data analysis methods. Monitor use of EM resources and track usage for billing purposes.
Maintain the Cryo-EM microscopes, ancillary equipment and working spaces in the Center. Diagnose problems with microscopes and software, and coordinate service with equipment vendors to minimize down time. Work with manufacturer's engineers to ensure optimal performance and maximize uptime of equipment. Perform periodic data backups of microscope-associated computers. Carry out periodic liquid nitrogen refills of 240 liter dewars.
Assist faculty, postdocs and students in using EM equipment, including grid prep, negative stain EM and cryoEM screening, and EM data collection. Assist in setting up experiments, monitoring progress and processing results . Assist in preparation of publications, including preparation of figures and tables, writing sections of text, and reviewing and correcting manuscripts. Assist in development of training programs for all levels of users.
Ability to manipulate laboratory instruments and samples to conduct experiments; ability to move about the lab environment. Will require standing or sitting at desks or at microscopes for long periods of time.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
PI273752271
