Job Purpose
The postholder will join us at the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (SCMI, https: // www. gla.ac.uk/research/az/cvr/facilities/scmi/ ). The SCMI is a consortium of 4 Scottish universities with an interest in cryo-EM – University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews, and University of Glasgow, where we are based. We deliver high-quality single particle and tomography data to users from our consortium partners and externally using our flagship CRYO ARM 300 microscope. We also run a sample preparation laboratory and microscopes for negative staining and cryo- screening. These are mostly used by users from University of Glasgow in our role as their local cryo-EM facility but are also available for external use. The work is varied, with many projects and users coming through the facility. On average, we have around 30 active users each year, from total beginners through to experienced principal investigators.
The primary role of this post will be to support SCMI users to achieve high- quality cryo-EM data through user training, preparing specimens for imaging and operating the SCMI electron microscopes for data collection. The postholder will be a motivated scientist with a proven interest and aptitude for biological imaging and structural biology.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Induct new users and deliver training in sample preparation and imaging for negative stain and cryo-EM.
2. Take the lead in supporting and advising researchers in troubleshooting their imaging experiments, acting as a first line of support during their sessions.
3. Create and maintain written protocols for operating the microscopes.
4. Responsible for setting up and overseeing data collection sessions for external SCMI users.
5. Responsible for the day-to-day monitoring of the equipment and instrumentation, intervening when necessary and escalating to facility manager and vendor engineers when necessary.
6. Maintain SCMI and CVR ancillary equipment, overseeing provision of consumables and gases.
7. Develop expertise and extensive knowledge of the principles and practice of cryo-EM for structural biology, keeping up with technology and methodology advances.
8. Contribute to the optimisation of established workflows. Develop and implement workflows for emerging methods for cryo-electron imaging at SCMI including CLEM, imaging of FIB lamellae, cryo-STEM and microED.
9. Support the delivery of external training courses to ensure the effective development of the SCMI user community.
10. Take an active role in organising symposia and other SCMI-led events.
11. Contribute to the preparation of annual reports on SCMI performance for review by the external scientific advisory group.
12. Contribute to research publications in leading international journals and presentations at national and international conferences, thereby enhancing the reputation of the SCMI community, CVR, School, College and University.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each criterion in the format explained below you will not be shortlisted for interview.
Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.
Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9 Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4 or equivalent, in a relevant biological or physical science including professional accreditation with relevant formal training, and experience of personal development in a similar role or related role.
Desirable:
B1 A postgraduate degree in a relevant biological or physical science.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential:
C1 Knowledge of the principles and practice of cryo-EM.
C2 Up-to-date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation.
C3 Demonstrated ability to operate complex laboratory equipment. C4 Excellent laboratory skills including safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
C5 Demonstrated ability to operate complex computer software. C6 Organisational and project management skills, including the ability to organise work efficiently.
C7 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. C8 Highly motivated, ability to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.
C9 Appropriate workload and time management skills.
Desirable:
D1 Skills in the use of Unix-based server systems.
D2 Ability and willingness to take on appropriate administrative duties within SCMI.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Experience working with transmission electron microscopes.
E2 Experience delivering training or teaching in small groups and 1-to-1.
E2 Experience of sample preparation for cryo-EM.
E3 Experience of trouble-shooting experiments. E4 Experience in presenting research results to colleagues and peers.
Desirable:
F1 Experience in processing of images and data management. F2 Experience of working with hazard group 2 pathogens or above.
Additional Details
These posts are full-time and open-ended.
For enquiries regarding these posts please contact the SCMI Facility Manager, Dr James Streetley ([email protected]).
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.
This post is full time and open ended.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https: // www. gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Vacancy Ref : 145750 Close Date : 04-Jun-2024 23:45