The NUANCE BioCryo Electron Microscopy Imaging Specialist assists all aspects of the BioCryo Microscopy Facility in the NUANCE Center with a focus on collaboration and research. This includes: equipment purchasing, upgrades and maintenance, supervision of work-study students, user training and technical support on all BioCryo instruments and related equipment, course development and teaching of laboratory components of BioCryo related courses, development of new analytical techniques and capabilities, providing analytical services for both internal Northwestern and external industrial clients, as well as conducting facility tours and demonstrations.
Specific Responsibilities:
User Training and Technical Support:
Trains new BioCryo users on instrument use and lab safety Maintains Lab Safety records for all BioCryo users Assists in creation of Standard Operating Procedures for BioCryo equipment Trains new users on BioCryo and related sample preparation Provides technical support for all BioCryo users Supports users in sample preparation and SEM/TEM when necessary
Collaborative Research/Hands-On:
Works collaboratively with internal and external users on complex and challenging research problems Develops new analytical tools/techniques Participates in writing Center and Facility research and equipment grant proposals
Equipment Installation/Maintenance/Troubleshooting:
Maintains all supplies at adequate levels according to user program needs Cleans and organizes all laboratory spaces, equipment and supplies Provides weekly maintenance and upkeep on all BioCryo equipment Assists in writing internal proposals for equipment funding Participates in writing of major equipment grants Assists with installation of new equipment Assists with maintenance/vendor relations for equipment service Advises in negotiation of service contracts and maintenance agreements Assists in troubleshoot/repair equipment not under service contract
External User program:
Communicates NUANCE BioCryo value proposition to potential External Users Demonstrates NUANCE value proposition to External users Coordinates External Users' multi-instrument access Proposes individual or collaborative research as needed Assesses NUANCE equipment needs based on External User input
Analytical Services:
Provides analytical service on BioCryo for internal and external users Generates reports and data analysis
Outreach Activities:
Conducts tours and demonstrations for various internal or external organizations Participates in REU/RET program as necessary Develops/proposes joint development activities with vendors Assists in planning instructional workshops & training Establishes equipment beta-test for NUANCE facilities Demonstrates leading edge equipment to Northwestern faculty
Center Communication:
Assists with BioCryo facility strategic planning with NUANCE administrative staff Assists with BioCryo facility data management/reporting Maintains BioCryo User lists, liaise with SHyNE, NUANCE administrative staff Contributes to NUANCE Web/Social Media communications Contributes to NUANCE Outreach programs (Museums, Nano-Journalism, et al.)
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate’s Degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Biology, Microscopy, or closely related field. 2+ year’s work experience in a technical field in an academic or industrial setting. Working knowledge of electron microscopy (both TEM and SEM) and sample preparation techniques for room temperature and cryogenic samples.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
Strong customer focus. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Adept at project management; ability to work under pressure, prioritize and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and yet is an accomplished team player. Ability to occasionally lift and move moderately heavy equipment. Ability to occasionally work after hours or weekends.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Biology, or closely related field. 5+ years of experience in BioCryo, TEM, SEM, FIB or other electron microscopy techniques. 3+ years of facility management and user training experience Experience or strong interest in working in an academic environment. Supervisory and/or project management experience.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
Advanced working knowledge of BioCryo microscopy practice and theory. Materials Science or Biology background.
Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.