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Cryo Em Postdoctoral Position Jobs in California

Cryo-EM Specialist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Position Overview Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex ... Help orient and train new staff, external and internal users, postdoctoral scholars and graduate ...

Conduct cryo-EM workflows including grid preparation, data collection, image processing, 3D ... PhD in Structural Biology or related field with postdoctoral training in solving atomic resolution ...

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Cryo Em Postdoctoral Position information

What is a Cryo-EM postdoctoral position?

A Cryo-EM postdoctoral position is a research-focused role for individuals who have recently earned a Ph.D. and want to gain advanced experience using cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM). These postdocs work in academic or research institutions to study the structure of biological molecules at near-atomic resolution. Responsibilities typically include sample preparation, data collection, image processing, and structural analysis. The goal is to contribute to scientific discoveries in fields such as structural biology, biochemistry, and drug development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cryo-EM postdoctoral researcher?

To thrive as a Cryo-EM Postdoctoral Researcher, you need advanced knowledge in structural biology, electron microscopy techniques, and a PhD in a relevant field such as biochemistry or biophysics. Expertise in using cryo-electron microscopes, image processing software (e.g., RELION, CryoSPARC), and data analysis pipelines is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top candidates in this role. These qualifications are crucial for conducting high-quality research, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, and advancing structural biology discoveries.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers working with Cryo-EM, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) often face challenges such as optimizing sample preparation, handling large datasets, and troubleshooting instrument issues. Mastering the intricacies of sample vitrification and grid preparation is crucial, as poor samples can hinder data collection. Additionally, managing and processing extensive datasets requires familiarity with specialized software and computational resources. Collaborating closely with experienced lab members, attending relevant workshops, and staying updated with the latest protocols can help overcome these challenges and accelerate research progress.

What cities in California are hiring for Cryo Em Postdoctoral Position jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cryo Em Postdoctoral Position job openings:

Infographic showing various Cryo Em Postdoctoral Position job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Overview
Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Cryo-EM and Bioimaging Division within the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Cryo-EM Specialist to support state-of-the-art electron microscopy facilities involving 7 Thermo Fisher cryoEM instruments and two cryoET instruments with additional sample preparation instrumentation. The facility is staffed by a team, including this position, that is responsible for oversight, research operations and maintenance of these microscopes, as well as training and assisting scientific users. Reporting to the SLAC Manager, the CryoEM Specialist will be a member of this team supporting research activities in single particle and tomography studies.
Your specific responsibilities include:
  • Conduct cryoEM specimen preparation.
  • Operate electron microscopes for the study of cryo-specimens.
  • Screen cryo-EM specimen for suitability in structural research.
  • Conduct assessment prior to data collection: Perform preliminary image data quality evaluation, load samples and tune microscopes.
  • Collect image data for users
  • Conduct assessment of data collection: Provide evaluation on quality of data collected
  • Interface with the SLAC scientific computing team for support to ensure optimal data collection, storage and data processing.
  • Perform image processing.
  • Assist researchers on cryoEM projects and oversee their experiments.
  • Help orient and train new staff, external and internal users, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students.
  • Develop and support data collection enhancements.
  • Develop instruction material and contribute to research reports and publications.
  • Maintain the electron microscopes and other cryo-specimen preparation apparatus; may require interfacing with vendor engineers. Maintain accurate electronic logs for microscope performance and usage.
Other general research and lab coordination responsibilities include:
  • Perform more complex functions and activities involved in defined research projects and independently conduct a portion of the research project(s).
  • Perform complex (lab and/or field) experiments for a major portion of the research project. Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
  • Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist. Based on prior results, contribute to development of new research protocols and procedures or adaptation of existing protocols.
  • Make recommendations on plan design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary teams across divisions.
  • Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; present findings for lab work group.
  • Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section. May contribute to publication of findings and present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
  • Perform general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory, and provide general lab support as needed. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment.
  • Other duties may also be assigned.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in structural biology, biophysics, physics, biochemistry, chemistry or bioengineering, or related scientific field and at least two years of relevant work experience, or Master's degree in related field
  • Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
  • General understanding of the principles of transmission electron microscopy and cryoelectron microscopy.
  • General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
  • Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
  • Strong communications skills and ability to interact effectively with scientists at a varied level of experience
  • Ability to work independently under deadlines with general guidance is essential, as well as ability to work productively in a team environment.
  • Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
Preferred requirements include:
  • Direct experience in cryoEM techniques and use in biological applications is strongly preferred.
  • Master's degree in relevant science field, and/or two years of experience thereafter in a research environment, or a Ph.D.
SLAC employee competencies:
  • Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
  • Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
  • Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
  • Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
  • Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
  • Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages
  • Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

Work standards:
  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1-General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu Policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,http://adminguide.stanford.edu.