SEA Cryogenic Electron Microscopist

Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

SEA Cryogenic Electron Microscopist managing and operating ThermoFisher Glacios equipment in cryo-EM core lab. Collaborating with research scientists and supporting advanced research programs.

Posted 7/20/2026full-timeHouston • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $115,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cryogenic electron microscopy operations, maintenance, and training, while effectively collaborating with researchers to enhance laboratory practices and safety. Possesses strong communication and project management skills to facilitate research initiatives and grant proposals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cryogenic Electron Microscopy OperationsResearch Equipment MaintenanceTechnical Training and InstructionProject ManagementLaboratory Safety Practices

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Research Equipment OperationsData ProcessingTroubleshootingMechanical Systems KnowledgeElectrical Systems KnowledgePlumbing Systems KnowledgeTechnical Specifications NegotiationExperimental Method MasteryScientific Literature EvaluationGrant Proposal Preparation

Soft Skills

Critical ThinkingExcellent Communication SkillsLeadership SkillsOrganizational SkillsTime Management Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Master's Degree in Relevant Science or Engineering Field

Industry Keywords

Research LaboratoryCryo-EM CapabilitiesLaboratory Best PracticesResearch CollaborationTechnical Consultation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Electron

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Responsible for the full life cycle of assigned research equipment, including assisting with the negotiation of technical specifications for new research equipment, overseeing vendor installation, operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, consulting with the vendor regarding repairs, overseeing repairs as appropriate, and facilitating routine maintenance of the equipment
Provides high-level instruction on instrument usage to undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and external users, and performs brief demonstrations
Develops standard processes and provides expert consultation to researchers on process issues
Collaborates with PIs on advanced research experiments and projects
Works in conjunction with PIs to prepare grant proposals for research equipment acquisition to improve research programs, particularly for expanding cryo-EM capabilities
Provides training when specialized techniques are needed for research; works to the extent necessary with individuals to perform experiments, interpret results, determine next steps, and write up results for publication
Stays abreast of the latest technological advances in research and informs faculty and stakeholders of new methodologies. Pursues the implementation of new techniques needed for research on existing instrumentation
Promotes and enhances a culture of laboratory safety
Follows the best practices of a shared research laboratory facility
Performs all other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's degree in a relevant science or engineering field (biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemistry, etc.)
4+ years of hands-on experience with maintenance, training, operations, data processing, and/or support for cryogenic electron microscopy facilities
Broad-based knowledge of science with expert-level knowledge of an applicable research area and the associated research equipment
Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and integrate it, as approved, into the knowledge base
Ability to troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment
Knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
Excellent critical thinking, research, and technical skills
Excellent editing, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a wide range of researchers, faculty, staff, and students, including both technical and non-technical individuals
Willingness to work autonomously, as well as with other staff and faculty
Excellent general management, leadership, organizational, project management, and time management skills
Ability to promote the best practices of a research lab
Proven mastery of related instrumentation and the ability to learn quickly and master new experimental methods and instruments.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Paid time off
Flexible work arrangements
Professional development