Laboratory Manager – Electron Microscopy Core

Department:

RSC SOM KC Cryo EM

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KIDDRC

Position Title:

Laboratory Manager – Electron Microscopy Core

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

The KUMC Electron Microscopy Core provides state-of-the-art equipment, infrastructure, and services to researchers across KU Medical Center and other regional research institutions. The Laboratory Manager will work in collaboration with the Scientific Director and EMC Managing Director to guide and train users across a wide range of electron microscopy techniques. This individual will support researchers using electron microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy imaging and sample preparation in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. The individual will be expected to work independently with minimal supervision.

Job Description:

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Plans, coordinates and performs imaging and data management related to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM).

• Supports researchers within a core laboratory using appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Electron Microscopy (EM) technologies, including:   

  • Sample preparation techniques, imaging, and data management related to TEM, SEM and cryo-EM.

  • Sample fixation and staining using chemical fixatives, ultramicrotomy/sectioning, traditional EM sample staining techniques and processing.

  • Plunge freezing and clipping of cryo-EM samples using vitrification equipment such as a TFS Vitrobot.

• Trains and manages the activities of all students, postdocs, staff scientists, and principal investigators using the Electron Microscopy Core. Trains and oversees all users on core electron microscopy technology and guide experimental design, including maintaining training logs.

• Collects, manages and analyzes imaging data of samples for both cryo-EM and room-temp EM applications.

• Collaborates with investigators to develop specialized services leveraging the Electron Microscopy Core’s specialized equipment.  

• Maintains Electron Microscopy systems and applications related to daily operations, including:

  • Complete daily alignments and calibrations of JEOL JEM 1400 TEM, Glacios cryo-EM and other related equipment to ensure optimal instrument performance.

  • Complete daily inspections to ensure laboratory equipment is in working order.

  • Manage data, equipment usage, and billing records to ensure instruments are being used in accordance with core policies and requirements.

• Data analysis of cryo-EM micrographs using cryoSPARC and other related cryo-EM data processing software.

• Participates on the Electron Microscopy Core annual SOM Budget and Evaluation self-study.

• Manages data storage and retention following facility guidelines and data hygiene policies both internally and externally.

• Effectively communicates both verbally and through written platforms and conveys projected progress or core-related issues in a timely manner to the Scientific Director and EMC Managing Director. 

• Reports instrument and related equipment usage for billing and record keeping purposes using project tracking software.

• Prioritizes access to projects and work within the Electron Microscopy Core

• Works in a professional, client-focused manner to identify and support the needs of the research programs serviced by the Electron Microscopy Core.

• Identify and work with administrative staff to procure necessary operational supplies and equipment.

• Administers lab safety with the EMC Managing Director, including delivering training, developing safety protocols, and maintaining safety and compliance documentation. 

• Participates in lab compliance inspections including updating logs of cleaning events and adherence to compliance protocols with the Safety Office, interacting with regulators or their proxies, and maintaining and adhering to relevant SOPs. Maintains documentation of all approved protocols.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related physical science discipline OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience on a year for year basis.

Work Experience:

• Three years of cumulative laboratory experience and demonstrate a thorough understanding and ability to manifest scientific rigor and reproducibility.