Electron Microscopy Support
University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Application deadline: 09 Mar 2020
The Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) was created with the mission to use cutting
edge technologies and methods to investigate how pathogens infect humans. Part of this mission are the CSSB Core Facilities that provide access to technology and research services for biosciences. Alongside these facilities, the multi-user facility for electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM)
has started its operation in 2017, and is positioned on the Science Campus Bahrenfeld, being
also home to the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY. The facility is currently the most advanced centre for cryoEM in the north of Germany housing five electron microscopes: two Titan
Krios instruments equipped with phase plates, energy filters, K3 and Falcon 3 direct detectors, a
Talos Arctica with a phase plate and a Falcon 3 direct detector, a Talos L120C and an Aquilos FIB
cryo-SEM for preparing lamellae of thick samples, such as vitrified cells or crystals. Auxiliary
equipment and nearby lab space for sample preparation and cell culture work complete the
workflows. We primarily focus on single particle analysis and electron cryo-tomography. The
facility is set up to handle biological samples up to German biosafety level 2.
Your Responsibilities: (85% equipment set-up and operation, equipment maintenance, 15% user-training & assistance)
- responsible for the day-to-day running and maintenance of the electron microscopes
and associated sample preparation equipment
- manage and operate the cryoEM instruments and associated equipment, this includes
first-fault diagnosis, and maintenance work
- assist in improving set-ups for the different cryoEM modalities (SPA, Tomo) and the
implementation of additional workflows (correlative microscopy, microED)
- work with our computing scientist to ensure a seamless interface between data collection
and data processing
- establish and implement schedules for microscope hardware and software maintenance,
and support alignments and performance checks, to ensure that the facility is operating at
peak performance
- coordinate repairs with microscope supplier’s service engineers
- work with in house engineers and other facilities
- provide instructions, assistance and consultation to faculty, students, staff members regarding the TEM equipment and optimal processes
- perform other related duties incidental to the work described above
Your responsibilities within the team can be adjusted to best fit your specific skill-set.
Requirements:
- A university degree in Science (Master, Magister, Diploma), especially physics, engineering,
structural biology or any associated field. Preferably with a Ph.D.
Required skills and personal qualities:
- experience in CryoEM (hardware and/or software), X-ray technology, imaging detectors, or
computational work at the interface hardware/software
- experience in cryoEM & understanding the basics of electron optics and vacuum systems
- previous experience in microscope control and acquisition software packages for single particle analysis or tomography or one of the following programming interfaces/languages: Python, C++, Java, LabView, SerialEM
- good English language skills (both written and oral)
- experience with managing, analysing, and improving complex workflows
- demonstrated record keeping and organisation skills
- ability to proactively plan maintenance work and increase microscope uptime & performance
- attention to detail
- a desire to learn, and a willingness to share knowledge
- self-driven and organised
The application deadline for this role is 9 March 2020.
For more information and to apply, click here.
