Role
The York Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL) has been recognised worldwide in prominent publications, healthy grant income sustained over many years, and awards to YSBL researchers including the Queen’s Award in 2020 recognising the collective achievements in ‘understanding and exploiting proteins’. Cryo-EM is an essential experimental pillar of YSBL. In 2021, a 200 kV Glacios electron microscope was installed in the custom-built Eleanor and Guy Dodson Building; in 2024 the Glacios was upgraded with a Selectris Energy Filter using funds from the BBSRC. The cryo-EM facility user base has rapidly grown and is carrying out exceptional science (see Bayfield et al, Nature 2023; Nam et al, Cell, 2024; Helena-Bueno et al, Nature, 2024). Future expansion of the cryo-EM facility to explore the exciting frontier of cryo-ET is an essential part of YSBL’s and the wider university’s research strategy.
The success of YSBL’s x-ray and cryo-EM facility has relied on exceptional staff. This role holder will lead the cryo-EM facility, being responsible for ensuring optimal microscope performance, developing the user base, and long-term financial planning. They will be experts in both data collection and processing. They will report to Dr Johan Turkenburg, the manager of the wider facility, and work closely with Professor Jamie Blaza, the academic lead for cryo-EM and Mr Sam Hart, the senior technical specialist.
The role holder will be required to work collaboratively with technical, academic, and research colleagues, as well as external academic and industrial stakeholders, providing in-depth knowledge and leadership in the areas of Cryo-EM and structural biology. They will be expected to support the applications for external funding made by colleagues and lead their own, particularly around infrastructure.
The University is a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment and is dedicated to increasing the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of technical staff, and Lead Technical Specialists are regarded internationally as experts in their field.
Skills, Experience & Qualification needed
* Postgraduate degree, or equivalent significant experience in Cryo-EM
* Skills and knowledge to implement the technical specialist requirements of experimental work across a number of instruments or areas
* Proven ability to work at high levels of skill and accuracy
* Competent in the operation and maintenance of complex microscopy equipment
* Manage the space occupied by the Cryo-EM ensuring it is deployed to maximum effect.
* Flexible attitude towards work, willingness to respond to time led demands
* Dependable, reliable and self-motivated
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