Senior Research Specialist- Cryo-EM

Title: Senior Research Specialist- Cryo-EM

Location: Upper East Side

Org Unit: General Institutional Cores

Work Days:

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $83,100.00 - $100,500.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

Operates and supports advanced cryo-electron microscopy instrumentation within the Weill Cornell Medicine Cryo-EM Core Facility. The facility currently houses a 200 kV Glacios TEM equipped with a Falcon IV direct electron detector and Selectris energy filter, a Vitrobot IV automated plunge freezer, and will soon include a 300 kV Titan Krios TEM and an Arctis Cryo-PFIB system. Responsibilities include cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) sample preparation, specimen screening, automated data collection, and user support. The position provides opportunities to collaborate with investigators across Weill Cornell Medicine by providing scientific consultation, technical expertise, and access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM technologies.

Job Responsibilities

• Operates, maintains, and assists with routine quality control of cryo-electron microscopy instrumentation, including transmission electron microscopes, cryogenic sample preparation equipment, and associated hardware.

• Performs cryo-EM and Cryo-ET sample preparation, specimen screening, automated data collection, and basic image quality assessment.

• Provides scientific and technical support to investigators utilizing Cryo-EM Core services.

• Assists with user training on core instrumentation and standard operating procedures.

• Maintains accurate records of instrument usage, maintenance activities, and experimental workflows.

• Maintains cryogenic sample inventories and storage systems.

• Assists with routine instrument maintenance and coordinates vendor service visits when necessary.

• Maintains laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment inventories.

• Ensures compliance with institutional safety policies and established laboratory procedures.

• Contributes to development and optimization of core workflows and standard operating procedures.

• Participates in the testing and implementation of new technologies and methodologies as the facility expands.

• Works closely with investigators to understand project goals and recommend appropriate Cryo-EM workflows and instrumentation.

Education

• BS in related field

Experience

• Experience with cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, transmission electron microscopy, or related structural biology techniques is preferred.

• Experience working in a shared resource laboratory or core facility preferred.

• Previous Cryo-EM and/or Cryo-ET experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to interact effectively with investigators possessing diverse levels of microscopy experience.

• Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and experimental workflows.

• Strong communication and teaching skills.

• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Ability to work safely in a BSL1 and/or BSL2 environment.

• Work will be in both in a laboratory and an office environment, but the purpose of the service may sometimes take incumbent to non-standard workplaces.

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.