Cryo-EM Core Facility Specialist

Join to apply for the Cryo-EM Core Facility Specialist role at University of Utah Health Research

Open Date: 09/18/2025

Close Date: 09/18/2026

Pay Range: $75,000 to $95,000

Location:

Salt Lake City, UT

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to help operate and support our cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) core facility. The facility houses a Thermo Fisher Titan Krios, a Thermo Fisher Aquilos cryo‑FIB, two JEOL JEM
1400‑Plus, with a Thermo Fisher Glacios microscope scheduled to arrive shortly. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting researchers in the preparation of cryo‑EM specimens and in the collection and processing of cryo‑EM data, as well as maintaining these microscopes and associated equipment to ensure optimal performance. The candidate will also assist with experiments involving negatively stained specimens. The candidate will likely have opportunities to participate in technical developments, other techniques, and research projects resulting in publication in scientific journals.

• Operate, monitor, and maintain cryo‑EM instruments, including the Titan Krios, Aquilos cryo‑FIB, 1400, and Glacios (upon installation).
• Support users in cryo‑EM workflows, including grid screening, high‑resolution data collection, tomography, and related imaging tasks.
• Support users in projects where only negatively stained specimens may be imaged and the images analyzed.
• Assist with training and onboarding new users on cryo‑EM equipment and software.
• Perform routine instrument checks, coordinate service calls, and ensure minimal downtime.
• Manage scheduling and daily operations of the core facility, including occasional holiday and weekend support.
• Maintain detailed logs of instrument performance, usage, and experiments.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and trainees to advance structural biology and cell biology research projects.

• Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in single‑particle cryo‑EM analysis (sample preparation, data collection, and/or image processing).
• Familiarity with cryo‑EM instrumentation and workflows; willingness to learn and train in cryo‑electron tomography and cryo‑FIB milling.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and record‑keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness to work some holidays and weekends to support time‑sensitive projects and instrument operations.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. The University of Utah is an Affir… (continued EEO statement as provided).