- Job Title
- Cryo-electron Microscopy Support Specialist
- Post Number
- 1004774
- Closing Date
- 1 Nov 2024
- Grade
- SC6
- Starting Salary
- £36,000 - £44,500
- Hours per week
- 37
- Months Duration
- Indefinite
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
To support the users of the JIC Bioimaging Facility with their electron microscopy experiments, particularly the use of cryo-TEM techniques.
A significant portion of the role will involve providing training and technical assistance to all users. Once trained by the Facility Manager, the postholder will be expected to maintain the electron microscopy equipment and troubleshoot any issues as they arise. They will be the primary staff member supporting the transmission electron microscope (TEM) within the facility and will also be expected to support other electron microscopes and techniques as needed.
Key Relationships
The primary relationship for this role is with the Bioimaging Facility Manager, who provides regular oversight and guidance. The post-holder will also maintain key relationships with all members of the Bioimaging team, working particularly closely with other EM specialists to ensure efficient use of resources within the platform.
In addition, the post-holder will interact directly with scientists from the on-site research groups, and occasionally with external collaborators, to discuss project requests. They will contribute to the platform's training program by teaching others about electron microscopy (EM) and how to operate the equipment. Participation in outreach activities organised by the Bioimaging Facility, which may involve engaging with schoolchildren, the public, and other visitors, may also be required.
This role does not involve any line management responsibilities.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
- Percentage
- Contribute to the smooth running of the Bioimaging facility through the most effective use of resources, helping with service work, assistance and training staff and students, supervision of visitors to the lab, and always encouraging scientific excellence.
- 70
- Plan, perform, trouble-shoot and analyse TEM and SEM experiments as necessary, using the results to assist in the preparation of manuscripts for the research groups.
- 10
- Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements.
- 10
- Assist with outreach activities organised by the Bioimaging facility, involving interactions with school children, the public and other external visitors.
- 5
- As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees.
- 5
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
- Requirement
- Importance
- BSc or equivalent in a field related to Biological Sciences
- Essential
- PhD or equivalent in a field related to Biological Sciences
- Desirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- Hands-on experience of performing cryo-TEM experiments including screening and data collection
- Essential
- Hands-on experience operating a transmission electron microscope
- Essential
- Experience with negative stain preparation for TEM
- Essential
- Experience in processing data from single particle analysis experiments
- Desirable
- Experience in performing cryo-tomography experiments
- Desirable
- Experience in maintaining microscopy equipment
- Desirable
- Hands-on experience operating a scanning electron microscope
- Desirable
- Experience operating a high-pressure freezer
- Desirable
Relevant Experience
- Requirement
- Importance
- Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple projects
- Essential
- Demonstrated ability to perform research
- Essential
- Excellent time management with ability to work to deadlines
- Essential
- Experience in providing technical training
- Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and optimize experimental conditions.
- Essential
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills
- Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Essential
- Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team
- Essential
- Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group
- Essential
- Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures
- Essential
- Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
- Essential
Additional Requirements
- Requirement
- Importance
- Promotes equality and values diversity
- Essential
- Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work
- Essential
- Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute
- Essential
- Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required
- Essential
- Attention to detail
- Essential
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate
- Essential
- Promotes and strives for continuous improvement
- Essential
- Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars
- Desirable
Who We Are
John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).
Department
Cell & Developmental Biology
Group Details
This position will be based within the Bioimaging Facility, which caters to the light and electron microscopy needs of the research groups at the John Innes Centre (JIC) in Norwich. JIC is a globally recognized, independent research institute specializing in plant and microbial sciences. We provide extensive microscopy services, training, and technical support to JIC scientists, and also collaborate on imaging projects across the wider Norwich Research Park.
The Bioimaging Facility is well-equipped, featuring a field-emission transmission electron microscope (TEM) and two field-emission scanning electron microscopes (SEM) with cryo-systems, including one with a 3View system for serial block-face SEM. Additionally, the facility houses a comprehensive array of specimen preparation equipment for electron microscopy, several confocal microscopes, super-resolution systems, and various other light microscopes and sample preparation tools for light microscopy.
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Cryo-electron Microscopy Support Specialist
Salary: £36,000 to £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: Full-time, indefinite
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 1 November 2024
Reference: 1004774
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Cryo-electron Microscopy Support Specialist to join the Bioimaging Facility at the John Innes Centre.
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally.
Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.
About the Bioimaging Facility:
This position will be based within the Bioimaging Facility, which caters to the light and electron microscopy needs of the research groups at the John Innes Centre (JIC) in Norwich. JIC is a globally recognized, independent research institute specializing in plant and microbial sciences. We provide extensive microscopy services, training, and technical support to JIC scientists, and also collaborate on imaging projects across the wider Norwich Research Park.
The Bioimaging Facility is well-equipped, featuring a field-emission transmission electron microscope (TEM) and two field-emission scanning electron microscopes (SEM) with cryo-systems, including one with a 3View system for serial block-face SEM. Additionally, the facility houses a comprehensive array of specimen preparation equipment for electron microscopy, several confocal microscopes, super-resolution systems, and various other light microscopes and sample preparation tools for light microscopy.
The role:
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Cryo-Electron Microscopy Support Specialist to join our Bioimaging facility at a world-leading institute in a full-time, indefinite post. They will be the primary staff member supporting the transmission electron microscope (TEM) within the facility and will also be expected to support other electron microscopes and techniques as needed.
The John Innes Centre Bioimaging facility houses a comprehensive suite of electron and light microscopes, along with associated preparation equipment. This includes three electron microscopes with cryo capabilities: an FEI Talos F200C TEM, FEI NanoSEM 450 SEM, and a Zeiss Gemini 300 SEM.
The TEM is equipped with three detectors—Thermo Fisher Falcon 4i, Ceta-D, and a Gatan OneView—supporting a full range of techniques. The majority of work carried out on the TEM involves resin-embedded tissues and cells, or particles being screened with negative staining before single particle analysis using cryo techniques. While the primary focus will be on TEM, applicants should expect to engage with other electron microscopy techniques, including SEM, as part of their role. Familiarity with these additional methods will be highly beneficial.
The ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with transmission electron microscopes and a broad range of biological sample preparation techniques for electron microscopy. Knowledge and proficiency in cryo-TEM is highly desirable; however, candidates should have hands-on experience with a range of electron microscopy techniques, including but not limited to TEM, and be open to supporting various projects involving SEM and other approaches. Experience in the downstream analysis and processing of cryo-TEM images would be welcomed.
Excellent communication skills are essential, as is the ability to collaborate with researchers across various projects, understanding their needs and translating them into effective solutions using a broad range of electron microscopy techniques, including TEM and SEM.
While experience in equipment support and maintenance is desirable, the facility provides full training across all electron microscopes and preparation techniques, ensuring you’ll be equipped to handle a variety of tasks. Additionally, experience in training staff and students in technical methods is highly valued.
This role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of electron microscopy techniques, primarily focusing on TEM but also involving SEM and other imaging methods, as part of a collaborative and supportive research environment.
Additional information:
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing