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Cryo Electron Microscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

By employing high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and tomography (cryo-ET), we aim to capture the transient, high-order assemblies that trigger signaling in response to stress. In ...

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will lead independent projects exploring transient and dynamic protein states using techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, tomography, kinetic assays, and computational ...

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will lead independent projects exploring transient and dynamic protein states using techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, tomography, kinetic assays, and computational ...

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD ยท On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

IBBR leverages state-of-art integrative methods for bioanalytical, biophysical and structural characterization of biomolecules: cryo-electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray ...

$46K - $63K/yr

Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas: mitochondrial biology, membrane protein biochemistry, electrophysiology, live-cell microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo ...

Showing results 41-60

Cryo Electron Microscopy information

See salary details

$20.5K

$93.2K

$185.5K

How much do cryo electron microscopy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cryo electron microscopy in the United States is $93,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $147,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cryo electron microscopist?

A Cryo Electron Microscopist is a specialist who operates cryo-electron microscopes to study the structures of biological molecules at near-atomic resolution. They prepare samples by rapidly freezing them, preserving their natural state, and then imaging them using advanced electron microscopy techniques. These professionals play a crucial role in structural biology, helping scientists understand the architecture and function of proteins, viruses, and other biomolecules. Their work supports research in drug discovery, disease mechanisms, and fundamental biological processes.

What are cryo electron microscopy jobs?

Cryo electron microscopy jobs focus on using special equipment to provide imaging of subjects at near-cryogenic temperatures. This is most useful when studying things that you cannot view with other techniques. Cryogenic electron microscopy jobs focus heavily on research. In this role, you may prepare a sample for an experiment, determine the best scanning technique to use, and study-related developments in science when required. These are relatively rare and highly specialized jobs, and since the field is still developing, the nature and duties of this job may change over time. Some cryo electron microscopy jobs are available at centralized research facilities that work with many clients. In these roles, you may perform a wide variety of different scanning tasks based on the requests of clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cryo electron microscopy specialist?

To thrive as a Cryo-Electron Microscopy Specialist, you need a solid background in structural biology, biochemistry, or a related field, often with a master's or doctoral degree. Proficiency in operating cryo-EM instruments, image processing software (like RELION or cryoSPARC), and familiarity with sample preparation techniques are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in troubleshooting, data interpretation, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are critical for producing high-resolution structural data and advancing scientific research.

What are some common challenges faced by cryo electron microscopy specialists when preparing biological samples?

Cryo Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) specialists often face challenges such as achieving optimal sample vitrification, preventing sample contamination, and ensuring uniform particle distribution on grids. Precise control of environmental conditions and rapid freezing are critical to prevent ice crystal formation, which can distort structural data. Additionally, specialists must frequently troubleshoot issues with grid quality and sample concentration, collaborating closely with biochemists and structural biologists to optimize protocols for each specimen.

What is the difference between Cryo Electron Microscopy vs Electron Microscopist?

AspectCryo Electron MicroscopyElectron Microscopist
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD in biology, biochemistry, or related fields with specialized training in cryo-EM techniquesUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant science, with training in electron microscopy
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, or biotech companies focusing on high-resolution imaging of biological samplesLaboratories, research institutions, or industrial settings performing various electron microscopy tasks
Industry UsagePrimarily in structural biology, drug discovery, and materials scienceInvolved in sample preparation, imaging, and analysis across multiple scientific fields

While both roles involve electron microscopy, Cryo Electron Microscopy specializes in high-resolution imaging of biological specimens at cryogenic temperatures, requiring advanced technical skills and specific training. Electron Microscopists have broader roles in operating and maintaining electron microscopes across various applications. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the field.

What does cryo electron microscopy do?

Cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a technique used to visualize biological molecules at near-atomic resolution by rapidly freezing samples and imaging them with an electron microscope. It allows scientists to study the structure of proteins, viruses, and other complex biomolecules in their native state, aiding in research and drug development. Cryo-EM requires specialized skills in sample preparation, microscopy, and image analysis.

What cities are hiring for Cryo Electron Microscopy jobs?

Cities with the most Cryo Electron Microscopy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cryo Electron Microscopy jobs?

The most popular types of Cryo Electron Microscopy jobs are:

What states have the most Cryo Electron Microscopy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cryo Electron Microscopy jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cryo Electron Microscopy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,233 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Research Scientist - Fungal natural product chemist

Janelia Research Campus

Cornell, WI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the collaborative research environment and provide guidance on technical and operational aspects of research.

  • Design and execute mass spectrometry-based metabolomics experiments, isolate, analyze, and characterize natural products.

  • Mentor lab members, configure and maintain specialized equipment, and contribute to writing manuscripts and grants.


Job description

Primary Work Address: 418 E 71st St #21, New York, NY, 10021Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

The laboratory of Dr. Samara Reck-Peterson at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, NY is looking for an accomplished Research Scientist with expertise in fungal natural products along with experience in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and data processing for targeted and non-targeted approacheswith expertise in natural product chemistry. The Reck-Peterson Lab studies the mechanisms of intracellular transport at molecular, cellular, and organismal scales. Our research addresses fundamental questions in cell biology with direct relevance to human health and disease.

For application submission: Please submit your CV, a cover letter describing your research experience and why you are interested in this position, and contact information for three references.

We use a wide range of approaches: protein biochemistry and in vitro reconstitution, single-molecule biophysics, proteomics and genomics, metabolomics, fungal genetics, evolutionary analysis, mammalian cell culture, and state-of-the-art live-cell imaging. Through collaborations, we use cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to pursue structural studies of the transport machinery. For more information about Dr. Samara Reck-Peterson and the lab, please visit: https://reckpetersonlab.org/

This role will contribute to the Reck-Peterson lab's research program on fungal biology and secondary metabolite production. The lab discovered that peroxisomes in filamentous fungi move by "hitchhiking" on early endosomes; through a genetic screen we identified a putative protein linker between the two organelles and found that organelle dynamics play a role in the production of secondary metabolites. Current efforts are aimed at understanding the cell biology of secondary metabolite production.

This is one of two high-ranking, non-Investigator roles within the lab. Ideal candidates will be confident and comfortable in a leadership role, have a strong desire to serve as a trusted resource for other members of the lab, and contribute to the lab's culture of doing collaborative science.

What we provide:

  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

  • A collaborative, diverse, and supportive research environment.

  • Access to cutting-edge facilities and core resources, including collaborative access to cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography.

  • Flexible scheduling and mentorship tailored to your next career stage.

What you'll do:

  • Research (approximately 80% effort). Support the collaborative research environment and provide guidance on technical and operational aspects of research.

  • Develop, design, and implement research projects, and coordinate specialized and novel research functions.

  • Design and execute mass spectrometry-based metabolomics experiments using targeted and non-targeted approaches; isolate, analyze, and characterize natural products, including unknown compounds.

  • Identify methodological problems in research protocols and develop and implement modifications to optimize experimental results.

  • Develop innovative techniques and data analysis pipelines required to meet research goals, and use software applications to assemble, manipulate, format, and perform statistical analyses of complex data and to mine large metabolomic datasets.

  • Conduct literature reviews to determine the most suitable research methods, and routinely review research activities to determine where new information, methods, or collaborations could positively impact projects.

  • Review available technology and assist in bringing appropriate new technology into the laboratory; may prepare specifications for equipment and supplies needed to support research.

  • Prepare reports for presentation at scientific meetings and manuscripts for publication; write and edit manuscripts, fellowship applications, and portions of grants.

  • Lab operations and mentoring (approximately 20% effort). Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, Research Associates, and other staff, and train lab members on specialized research methods such as fungal biology and metabolomics.

  • Configure, operate, and maintain specialized equipment, and train others in its use as necessary.

  • Serve as a senior member of the lab, acting as a resource for both students and staff on a variety of issues, along with other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

  • Hold sole responsibility for your own research project with shared responsibility for other research projects and/or project teams, including projects performed in collaboration with other laboratories.

  • Contribute to writing both manuscripts and grants.

What you bring:

  • PhD in the chemical, biological, biomedical, or biochemical sciences, or an MD degree.

  • More than five years of independent research experience after earning a PhD (minimum of four years required).

  • A broad range of scientific experience and a strong publication record.

  • Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics and analysis.

  • Secondary metabolism: methods to extract metabolites from tissues and analyze natural products, i.e. secondary metabolites, including characterizing unknown compounds.

  • Expertise in mass spectrometry.

  • Experience with fungal secondary metabolites and fungal biology is strongly preferred.

  • Demonstrated expertise in scientific methods, tools, and technologies, and the ability to understand and apply new concepts, technologies, and methods to evolving research needs.

  • Ability to critically review complex information to identify insights and improvements.

  • Ability to write, prepare, and present reports, manuscripts, and findings to diverse audiences, including at scientific meetings and conferences.

  • Excels both as an independent thinker and as a collaborative team member, with the ability to work independently.

  • A strong desire to mentor and teach trainees of all levels.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Hiring Pay Range

$93,920.00 - $117,400.00

Pay Type:

Annual

The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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