"Electron Microscope Tech 3-Geosciences, Project"

Job Summary

The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) at Eastern Washington University is currently seeking applicants for an Electron Microscope Technician 3, Project to support our new electron microscopy lab.

The Electron Microscope Technician 3, Project will provide technical support related to research, educational, and outreach activities including training new users; establishing and following proper protocols in sample preparation and electron microscopy analysis; tracking inventory, instrument use, and instrument maintenance. Ensure compliance with general laboratory and safety protocols.

Perform and apply advanced, specialized electron microscopy techniques making independent examination of materials. Serve as technical consultant to faculty and investigators with diagnostic problems or research projects. Develop and apply new techniques or procedures applicable to faculty and student research. Provide technical support for and/or instruct faculty, staff, or students, or student helpers and direct the operation of an electron microscopy laboratory.

The Electron Microscope Technician 3, Project will:

• Perform special procedures such as basic sample preparation, sample coating, and scanning electron microscopy
• Provide technical consultation to faculty and investigators with diagnostic problems or research projects involving the use of the electron microscopy laboratory
• Instruct and direct work operations; oversee the operation of training and maintenance of an electron microscope; make minor repairs and determine service needs
• Develop and implement new procedures; conduct literature searches and adapt techniques to specific research needs
• Maintain workload recording system; purchase and maintain laboratory equipment such as consumables, balances, and sample preparation equipment; track inventory levels and place replenishment orders
• Instruct faculty, technicians, students or student workers in laboratory procedures.
• Interact with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator
• Provide operational guidance to users on day-to-day activities
• Assist with preparation of instrument use reports
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise student workers if applicable
• Possibility of teaching as a lecturer in the candidate’s discipline

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field which includes coursework in such areas as chemistry, biology, geology, natural sciences, or related sciences and two years of experience in an electron microscopy laboratory OR equivalent education/work experience, undergraduate/graduate research or training may apply
• Demonstrated ability to apply a responsive and flexible approach that is supportive of the needs including universal access of our students, faculty, staff and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in biology, chemistry, geosciences, physics, environmental science, engineering or field of study related to the research of the laboratory
• Experience working in a research laboratory
• Previous experience using transmission and/or scanning electron microscopy
• Experience working within an electron microscopy-related laboratory
• Teaching/training experience

Other Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the desire to work in a service-oriented environment
• Strong computer and record keeping skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new technologies
• Ability to work both independently (with minimal guidance) and as a team member
• Ability to manage time efficiently and complete tasks on time
• Ability to be on-time for scheduled appointments and adapt to unscheduled requests

Job Duties

Equipment Operation and Oversight

• Perform procedures such as basic sample preparation, sample coating, and scanning electron microscopy
• Train new users in safe and responsible use of scanning electron microscope and related equipment in the SEB lab; new users may include faculty, technicians, and students from multiple departments across campus
• Work with principal investigator to determine user priorities and weekly work schedule
• Provide operational guidance to users on day-to-day activities
• Follow and develop new operating procedures as needed
• Provide ongoing technical support to new and current users
• Provide technical consultation to investigators with diagnostic problems or research projects involving the use of the electron microscopy laboratory
• Comply with all Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act and EWU safety rules

Percent of Time: 40

Lab Management

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of an electron microscope
• Make minor repairs and determine service needs
• Purchase and maintain laboratory equipment such as consumables, balances, and sample preparation equipment
• Track inventory levels and place replenishment orders
• Enter and track inventory of chemicals in EWU’s chemical inventory system
• Purchase and install high-pressure gas cylinders on applicable equipment
• Track use of SEB by individuals and prepare invoices to bill SEM users
• Assist with preparation of instrument reports

Percent of Time: 30

Equipment Upkeep

• Perform routine checks on equipment and its components as outlined by equipment manufacturer and principal investigator

Percent of Time: 10

Liaison

• Interact with EWU Facilities when issues arise with plumbing, drains, electrical, HVAC, door access, gas, vacuum, compressed air, fume hoods, leaks, IT and other facilities as appropriate
• Interact with Environmental Health and Safety staff to ensure all hazardous waste is stored and labelled
• Check weekly hazardous waste storage locations in the department
• Obtain annual respirator certification for hazardous vapors
• Prepare semi-annual HAPs and VOCs report for the lab

Percent of Time: 10

Other duties as requiredPercent of Time: 10

Salary Information

The salary for this position is $30,678 (minimum) up to $34,698. This project position is a two-year and 8 months, half-time position, 20 hours per week, directly funded by an extramural NSF grant. Where the candidate will begin within this range is dependent on qualifications, education, experience, and skills. In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays and 1 paid personal leave day per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page: https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits/insurance/.

Conditions of Employment

Regular work schedule of Monday-Friday 4 hours per day.

This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently. Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees’ Collective Bargaining Agreement: https://in.ewu.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/WFSE-EWU-CBA-Barg.-Units-1-and-2-2025-2027_2024-12-02.pdf

After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas. Workplace Belonging training will be available on December 1st and should be completed by March 31st, 2026.

Note: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.

Posting Date

11/21/2025

Open Until Further Notice

No

Screening to Begin

12/05/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Submit your application materials through our online applications portal provided below. If you are unable to submit through the applicant portal, please contact Human Resources Services at (509) 359-2381.

To apply, visit https://jobs.hr.ewu.edu/postings/14203