About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Associate Director of Electron Microscopy in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences is responsible for assisting the Director with the maintenance, training, and day-to-day operations of the equipment in the Electron Microscopy Core Facility, including a range of TEM and SEM instruments.
Essential Functions
- Provides operational management and logistical support, and support supervision of facility staff for daily facility operations.
- Trains and oversees users in instrument operation across TEM and SEM applications.
- Responsible for the maintenance and training of the ThermoFisher Tundra Cryogenic Electron Microscope (cryo-EM).
- Interacts with instrument companies regarding training, repairs, maintenance as well as hardware and software upgrades.
- Ensures day-to-day maintenance and calibration of equipment, including the cryo-EM and related equipment (Vitrobot, glow discharger, analysis workstations, etc.).
- Promotes and expands the capabilities of biological EM; serves as liaison with UMass Chan Medical School cryo-EM core.
- Manages scheduling of equipment and space in the lab.
- Assists faculty, students, and outside users with data analysis and interpretation through the development of training/teaching materials. Leads workshops and demonstrations.
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Other Functions
- Assists with negative stain grid preparation, screening, and training on Tecnai T12 transmission electron microscope.
- Provides general structural biology expertise on adjacent techniques such as protein purification and X-ray crystallography.
- Assists with training and operation of equipment in the UMass Biophysical Characterization Core, where appropriate.
- Maintains knowledge of state-of-the-field, including developments in literature, software, tools, and analysis techniques.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, or related degree, with at least one (1) year of relevant postdoctoral experience OR Bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, or related degree, with ten plus (10+) years of cryoelectron microscopy and structural biology experience.
- Proven record of laboratory and professional growth through demonstrated history of promotion to roles of increasing responsibility.
- Experience conducting research in an academic/industry environment.
- Must understand scientific methods and research requirements.
- Excellent hands-on laboratory skills are expected.
- Knowledge of principles of laboratory operation and management.
- Experience with cryo-electron microscopes, single-particle reconstruction techniques, visualization of structures. Proficiency in SPA programs such as RELION, cryoSPARC, cisTEM, SCIPION, and model analysis software such as COOT, Chimera, pyMOL.
- Experience in the vitrification of biological samples using devices such as Vitrobot IV, extensive knowledge of sample preparation and optimization.
- Demonstrated experience with structure determination.
- Leadership experience as part of a project team, and project management experience.
- Must be detail oriented and meticulous regarding documentation and data management.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work on multiple projects in parallel and rapidly adjust to changing priorities
- Proven ability to maintain productive relationships with faculty, researchers, students, and external collaborators is essential.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Experience with recombinant protein techniques (construct design, expression, purification, characterization).
- Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Familiarity with Linux/UNIX computing environments.
- Prior experience in a cryo-EM facility with a Tundra TEM is highly desirable.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical laboratory environment. Occasional balancing, pulling/pushing, standing, squatting, climbing, carrying, bending, sitting, and lifting.
Additional Details
- The Core Assistant Director reports to the IALS Core Facilities Director and guidance from the Electron Microscopy Core Director and advisory group.
Work Schedule
- 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday.
- Occasional evenings and weekends.
Salary Information
Salary Level 32
Exempt Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.