Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III, Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Research Support

Job Posting Title:

Research Engineering/Scientist Associate III, Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Research Support

----

Hiring Department:

Center for Biomedical Research Support

----

Position Open To:

All Applicants

----

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

----

FLSA Status:

Exempt

----

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

----

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

----

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

----

Job Details:

General Notes

The Center for Biomedical Research Support (CBRS) is a collection of 10 service centers that operates under the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors (OVPR) and broadly supports the research community on campus and externally. CBRS serves a central role across all of campus to provide access to cutting-edge technology, expert advice, and centralized services. CBRS is comprised of core facilities including Biomedical Imaging, Bioinformatics, Biological Mass Spectrometry, Biomedical Research Computing, Cryo-EM imaging, Genome Sequencing, Microscopy/Flow Cytometry and Mouse Genetic Engineering. In addition, CBRS provides laboratory support in the forms of stockrooms, electronics repair, and external services drop boxes.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:  

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage  

• Retirement contributions

• Paid vacation and sick time

• Paid holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Purpose

The Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory (SSBL) is a state-of-the-art electron microscopy (EM) facility with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Cryo Transmission Electron Microscopy capabilities. SSBL is seeking to hire a Research Engineering / Scientist Associate III to provide support to operate the TEMs in the facility, which include a FEI Titan Krios with a Biocontinuum GIF and a K3 direct detector, a Thermo-Fisher Glacios with a Falcon IV direct detector, and a JEOL 1400 Flash with a ClearView camera and Oxford Instruments Xplore detector.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining and coordinating service on the electron microscopes and ancillary equipment to ensure that the facility and all instruments are in top working condition for high-resolution structural studies.

• Interface with users for training in sample preparation and data collection. Provide detailed user training on instruments, software, and specimen preparation. Assist/train users in advanced Electron Microscopy techniques and experiments.

• Load samples, tune microscopes, and acquire high quality data for samples submitted to the center. Evaluate quality of data obtained by users and provide advice on strategies to improve data quality. Implement data collection strategies that will benefit our user community. Assist with data interpretation.

• Assist in testing and optimizing new workflows and imaging conditions as applicable.

• Provide support for managing and tracking bookings and training using our booking system (FBS). Provide support in the maintenance of accurate logs for microscope performance and usage.

• Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.

• Stay abreast of new developments in instrumentation, techniques, and methods related to techniques supported by the center.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in life or physical sciences, or in a field related to the work to be performed.

• At least 2 years’ experience operating or maintaining high-end transmission electron microscopes, with at least 1 year of experience using cryo-TEM for imaging of biological samples

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working in a team environment and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary user base. 

• Strong commitment to building and maintaining a positive work environment. 

• Ability to work independently or as a team member.

• Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills. 

• Ability to complete tasks thoroughly and accurately, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

​

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.