Subject: Electron Microscopy Technician Position
Description:
Electron Microscopy Technician
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Full-Time Contract Position Available
The NHLBI Electron Microscopy (EM) Core Facility processes and images
customer biological samples using transmission electron microscopes (TEM) or
a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The contractor will provide support
services to assist the EM Core in meeting these goals. The NIH campus is
located in Bethesda, Maryland and is bus/bicycle/metro accessible. The NIH
provides a rich, collegial environment for the pursuit of biomedical
research, with many opportunities for career advancement. The campus is home
to the Clinical Center, 27 Institutes and Centers, some FDA components, many
Nobel Prize winners, a large number of seminar series, many symposia, FAES
Academic Center, NIH Credit Union, Recreation and Welfare Organization, a
fitness center, cafeterias, large number of support staff and services in
addition to the scientists who work everyday toward the mission of improving
the health of people and reducing the impact of diseases. http://www.nih.gov
Salary Range: Up to $55,000 / year based on experience and/or education.
Necessary Skills/Background:
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology with experience in electron microscopy OR
an Associate’s degree in electron microscopy OR be an Microscopy Society of
America (MSA) Certified Electron Microscopy Technologist
• Fundamental knowledge of the operating characteristics of electron
microscopes, vacuum systems and data storage
• Experience with sample preparation for TEM (fixation, dehydration,
embedding, sectioning, staining)
• Experience with sample preparation for SEM (fixation, dehydration,
coating)
• Experience with TEM and SEM operation and imaging
• Hands-on experience with two or more of the following EM techniques:
chemical and/or cryofixation and embedding of cells and tissues, ultrathin
sectioning of embedded or rapidly frozen samples, immuno-gold labeling,
negative staining, rotary shadowing and metal replica preparation,
freeze-etching/freeze fracture, or critical point drying and metal coating
for SEM
• Excellent interpersonal skills for working with a large and diverse
scientific community
• Excellent time management skills. Must be able to work efficiently and
independently
• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize complex tasks
• Strong IT skills (SharePoint, Microsoft Office, Power Point, database
software, etc.)
Position Duties:
• Assist users of the EM Core Facility
• Perform TEM and SEM biological sample preparation techniques
• Operate the sample preparatory equipment (critical point dryer,
ultramicrotome, sputter coater, freeze fracture unit, microwave oven, glow
discharge unit, etc.)
• Operate the TEMs and SEM to produce high quality digital images of the
customer samples
• Maintain the EM Core instrumentation through troubleshooting and
performing or coordinating maintenance, service and repair tasks (performing
alignments, calibrations, performance checks, etc.)
• Maintain the laboratory in an organized, clean manner; stock supplies;
make solutions; disposal of chemical waste; etc.
• Become familiar with the EM Core’s protocols
• Maintain lab records (including ordering, equipment records and data
archiving)
• Maintain a safe operating environment in the lab
• Provide training to students and other personnel in the use of laboratory
equipment and in the performance of specialized procedures, techniques, etc.
• Keep skills and training current on all lab and institute requirements
• Keep abreast of new developments in the field through the microscopy list
server, journal publications and seminars
If interested, send a resume and cover letter to Christine Brantner,
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Contact Person: Christine Brantner
Contact Email: [log in to unmask]
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