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Cryo Electron Microscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Researcher - Zhou Lab

Novato, CA · On-site

$73K - $81K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The successful candidate will develop a mechanistic research program using one or more complementary approaches, including biochemistry, quantitative imaging, cryo-electron microscopy, and cryo ...

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Aurora, CO · 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 · 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 · 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 ...

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

Postdoctoral Fellow - Genomic Medicine

Houston, TX

$64K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We seek a driven and technically adept Postdoctoral Fellow with prior experience in cryo-electron microscopy and/or other structural biology techniques. The successful candidate will independently ...

Postdoctoral Fellow - Genomic Medicine

Houston, TX · On-site

$64K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We seek a driven and technically adept Postdoctoral Fellow with prior experience in cryo-electron microscopy and/or other structural biology techniques. The successful candidate will independently ...

Postdoctoral Fellow - Genomic Medicine

Houston, TX · On-site

$64K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We seek a driven and technically adept Postdoctoral Fellow with prior experience in cryo-electron microscopy and/or other structural biology techniques. The successful candidate will independently ...

At least 4 years of hands-on experience in cryo-electron microscopy, including sample preparation, data collection, image processing, and structure building. Experience with cryoEM structure ...

Laboratory Officer

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Expertise in fluorescence microscopy, correlative cryogenic light and electron microscopy, quantitative image analysis and/or cryo-electron tomography data processing. * Experience working in an ...

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 Aug 17, 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 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 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 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 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 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 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,233 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researcher - Zhou Lab

Buck Institute

Novato, CA • On-site

$73K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Ribosome Biogenesis and Function
Position Summary
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the mechanisms governing ribosome biogenesis, remodeling, and function. Projects may focus on cytosolic and/or mitochondrial ribosomes and address questions related to ribosome assembly, composition, structure, localization, and translational activity.
The successful candidate will develop a mechanistic research program using one or more complementary approaches, including biochemistry, quantitative imaging, cryo-electron microscopy, and cryo-electron tomography. Applicants are not expected to have expertise in all these areas. Candidates with deep experience in ribosomes are strongly encouraged to apply, and the project will be shaped around the candidate’s scientific strengths, interests, and career goals.
Potential research directions include:
  • Defining ribosome assembly pathways, intermediates, and quality-control mechanisms.
  • Visualizing the spatial and temporal organization of ribosome biogenesis and function in living cells.
  • Linking genetic and biochemical perturbations to ribosome structure using cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography.
  • Understanding how metabolism and stress remodel ribosomes.

About the Zhou Lab
The Zhou Lab studies how the cellular proteome changes its organization and function in response to environmental conditions, stress, and aging. We use model systems ranging from budding yeast to cultured human cells. The lab combines molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, quantitative proteomics, high-throughput screening, automated and super-resolution microscopy, cryo-EM/cryo-ET, computational analysis, and machine learning. Our multidisciplinary team includes researchers with backgrounds in biology, biophysics, and artificial intelligence.
The successful candidate will receive close scientific mentorship while being encouraged to develop intellectual independence. The Buck provides access to advanced core facilities, a highly collaborative aging-research community, and professional-development opportunities in scientific writing, fellowship applications, presentations, leadership, and career planning.
Required Qualifications
  • PhD completed by the start date in molecular cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, or a related field.
  • Strong research experience in relevant approach, such as biochemistry, quantitative imaging, cryo-EM/cryo-ET.
  • Evidence of rigorous and productive research, including first-author publications.
  • Ability to design and execute experiments, analyze quantitative data, and troubleshoot independently.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and communicate effectively in written and spoken English.

Preferred Experience
  • Prior work on ribosomes, translation, proteostasis, or macromolecular-complex assembly.
  • Experience with budding yeast or mammalian cell culture, protein purification, ribosome profiling, quantitative proteomics, fluorescence microscopy, or single-particle cryo-EM.
  • Interest in learning complementary methods and in integrating mechanistic experiments across scales.

Selected Recent Publications
Zheng F, et al. Metabolic environment-driven remodeling of mitochondrial ribosomes regulates translation and biogenesis. Molecular Cell. 2025.
Liu Q, et al. Mitochondria-lysosome coupling contributes to lysosome acidification and aging. Molecular Cell. 2026.
Yoo S, et al. The spatiotemporal proteome landscape of aging: Structural determinants of age-sensitive proteome remodeling. bioRxiv. 2026. doi:10.64898/2026.02.26.708310.
Liu Q, et al. Nascent mitochondrial proteins initiate the localized condensation of cytosolic protein aggregates on the mitochondrial surface. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 2023;120:e2300475120.
Compensation and Benefits
  • $73,760 - $81,440 annually, depending on qualifications and experience
  • Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off and parental leave; a 401(k) employer contribution; and a student-debt repayment option.

About the Buck Institute
The Buck Institute is the first independent biomedical research institute in the United States devoted solely to research on aging. Located in Novato, California, the Buck brings together scientists across disciplines to study the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease and to help people live better, longer.
The Buck Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose experiences and perspectives will contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community.
To Apply
Please submit the following through the Buck Institute careers portal:
  • A curriculum vitae
  • A cover letter describing your prior research, the ribosome questions or projects that most interest you, and how this position fits your future goals
  • Contact information for three professional references
  • Representative publications or other relevant research products, as appropriate.

Learn more about the Zhou Lab: www.buckinstitute.org/lab/zhou-lab/
 

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