Job Purpose
The primary role of this post will be to support SCMI users to achieve high-quality cryo-EM data through user training, preparing specimens for imaging and operating the SCMI electron microscopes for data collection. The postholder will be a motivated scientist with a proven interest and aptitude for biological imaging and structural biology. Main Duties and Responsibilities 1. Induct new users and deliver training in sample preparation and imaging for negative stain and cryo-EM.2. Take the lead in supporting and advising researchers in troubleshooting their imaging experiments, acting as a first line of support during their sessions.3. Create and maintain written protocols for operating the microscopes.4. Responsible for setting up and overseeing data collection sessions for external SCMI users.5. Responsible for the day-to-day monitoring of the equipment and instrumentation, intervening when necessary and escalating to facility manager and vendor engineers when necessary.6. Maintain SCMI and CVR ancillary equipment, overseeing provision of consumables and gases.7. Develop expertise and extensive knowledge of the principles and practice of cryo-EM for structural biology, keeping up with technology and methodology advances.8. Contribute to the optimisation of established workflows. Develop and implement workflows for emerging methods for cryo-electron imaging at SCMI including CLEM, imaging of FIB lamellae, cryo-STEM and microED.9. Support the delivery of external training courses to ensure the effective development of the SCMI user community.10. Take an active role in organising symposia and other SCMI-led events.11. Contribute to the preparation of annual reports on SCMI performance for review by the external scientific advisory group.12. Contribute to research publications in leading international journals and presentations at national and international conferences, thereby enhancing the reputation of the SCMI community, CVR, School, College and University.