Cryo-Electron Microscopy Specialist

(ID: 2025-0868)

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a Cryo-Electron Microscopy Specialist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located in Bethesda, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA)
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Overview
The highly skilled Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) Specialist will be joining the Research Technologies Branch (RTB), Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU) with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Division of Intramural Research (DIR). This position is based at the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, to support the primary cryo-EM operations at Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) in Hamilton, Montana. This role is pivotal in advancing biomedical research in the fields of immunology, parasitology, infectious disease, allergic disease, and vaccine development. The successful candidate will work as a team member to operate state-of-the-art instrumentation, with thorough knowledge of structural biology, providing access to cutting-edge cryo-EM technologies, designing and executing experiments, interpreting data, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality results.

Key Responsibilities

• Consultation and Collaboration:
  • Engage with DIR investigators to discuss and plan new cryo-EM experiments.
  • Collaborate with scientists from other NIH Intramural Centers (ICs).
• Project Management:
  • Oversee cryo-EM projects from DIR investigators and the Trans NIH cryo-EM initiative, NICE.
  • Coordinate specimen preparation, data collection, and processing for multiple simultaneous requests.
• Experimental Design and Execution:
  • Develop experimental designs for protein purification and quality assessment in collaboration with DIR investigators and the RTB’s Structural Biology Unit (SBU).
  • Operate state-of-the-art cryo-EM instrumentation and a 120 kV microscope for screening negatively stained samples.
  • Establish cryo-workflow solutions for shipping of screened, frozen grids to RML for high-resolution data collection.
• Training and Education:
  • Train DIR and NIH scientists on plunge freezing and microscope operations.
  • Educate students, postdocs, and investigators in cryo-EM specimen preparation, data collection, three-dimensional structural reconstructions, and data interpretation.
• Data Analysis and Publication:
  • Collaborate with the NIAID RTB microscopy facility, RTB SBU, and Integrated Data Sciences Section (IDSS) on experimental design and data collection.
  • Assist in data interpretation and prepare tables, figures, and experimental details for publication.
  • Contribute to manuscript preparation for publication.
• Budget and Instrumentation:
  • Acquire quotes and prepare budget requests for new instrumentation.
  • Engage with service providers to minimize instrument downtime.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or other relevant fields.
• Relevant publication record.
• Post-graduate experience in electron microscopy of proteins and/or infectious disease and immunology-associated samples is highly desirable.
• Minimum of five years of experience operating Thermo Fisher Scientific 120 kV, 200 kV, and 300 kV cryo-electron microscopes.
• Minimum of five years of experience reconstructing and generating models from cryo-EM data.
• Experience in data management.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team environment with co-workers whose expertise ranges from novice to expert.
• Ability to advise and collaborate effectively with diverse laboratories.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Attend and present at national and international meetings.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: [email protected]

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

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