"Cryo-EM Operations Director (Senior Research Scientist)"

Job Details

University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: SOM, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

Job Title: Cryo-EM Operations Director (Senior Research Scientist)

Position #: 0084440 – Requisition #: 38868

Job Summary:

The overall mission of the Cryo-EM Operations Director is to facilitate cryo-EM research at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, empowering new and experienced users to move their Cryo-EM research forward. The Operations Director will manage day-to-day operations at the Macromolecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Shared Resource Facility, including EM specimen preparation and initial screening, operation of two state-of-the-art electron microscopes (120kV and 200kV), and EM data collection. Basic responsibilities will include daily instrument maintenance, facilitating automated EM data collection, and managing microscope time booking and billing. More importantly, the Operations Director will work with the Faculty Director to advise current and new facility users on all aspects of cryo-EM analysis, from specimen preparation to data collection and cryo-EM EM image processing. The Cryo-EM Operations Director will report to the Cryo-EM Facility Faculty Director.

Experienced Cryo-EM practitioners, especially those with some experience in Cryo-Electron Tomography specimen preparation and data analysis, are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders on their EM research projects
• Train new facility users
• Prepare and screen stained and cryo EM samples
• Set up and monitor automated EM data collection with CMOS and direct electron detectors
• Guide facility users through initial steps of EM specimen and image screening and processing
• Manage booking and billing for microscopes
• Manage administrative requests related to billing and use
• Routine maintenance and interaction with service engineers
• Work with users and the Faculty Director to enhance and expand services offered by the Cryo-EM Facility

Work Location: Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us: Our department conducts research across a wide biological scale for fundamental scientific understanding with applications to many disease contexts. The overarching goal is to reach a level of molecular insight that helps develop therapeutic approaches to disease. As biochemists and molecular geneticists, we are amid an unprecedented time of discovery - our conception of the molecular biology of cells is going from the equivalent of grainy black-and-white to high-resolution technicolor. From deciphering the choreography of transcription complexes, chromosomes, and RNA molecules within cells to developing novel approaches to 3D molecular structure determination to understanding how viruses hijack a cell's machinery and alter its metabolome, the researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) are at the forefront of their fields, conceptually and technologically.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, or a closely related field
• Four years of postdoctoral or equivalent professional experience in cryo-electron microscopy, including hands-on specimen preparation, microscope operation, automated data collection, and user support in a research or shared facility environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional level experience in conception and design of cryo-EM projects
• Familiarity with cryo-ET sample preparation, imaging, and image analysis, including experience in FIB-milling/CLEM
• Familiarity with X-ray crystallography and an ability to advice users on ways to complement crystallographic studies with cryo-EM single particle and cryo-ET approaches

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
• Expert ability to analyze and solve complex problems
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Outstanding facility user service skills
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
• Higher-level knowledge of Structural Biology, Instrumentation, and Computational Biology processes, functions and/or technology

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Francisco Asturias, Francisco.Asturias@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins: Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by February 20, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE: $110,000 to $130,000