Harvard University

Position

Details

TitleHMS - Research Associate (Cryo-EM Specialist) in Harvard Cryo-EM Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular PharmacologySchoolHarvard Medical SchoolDepartment/Area***Position DescriptionWe invite applications for a Research Associate (Cryo-EM specialist) position, jointly shared by Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and Harvard Medical School. This Research Associate position will be hosted at Harvard Medical School with responsibilities split between the two campuses. This annually appointed academic role advances discovery in structural biology by providing support and training for researchers seeking to learn cryo-EM, serving as an interface between the instruments and a vibrant scientific community.

Responsibilities to FAS will take place in the newly established Cryo-EM imaging core under the Harvard Center for Biological Imaging (HCBI). This is the first cryogenic imaging facility dedicated to biological samples on Harvard’s Cambridge campus. This facility houses sample preparation devices (Vitrobot Mark IV, Wohlwend High Pressure Freezer, Leica EM AFS2 Freeze Substitution), and a Glacios 2 cryo-electron microscope with X-FEG, fringe-free imaging, Selectris energy filter and Falcon4i direct electron detector.

Responsibilities to Harvard Medical School will take place at the Harvard Cryo-EM Center for Structural Biology (HCCSB): a joint effort by Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Bringham, and Harvard FAS to provide state-of-the-art cryo-EM instrumentation and expertise for the structural biology community. This Facility houses two Titan Krios 300 kV microscopes and a Talos Arctica 200 kV microscope, with a next-generation Titan Krios 5 scheduled for installation in 2026. We also house two Vitrobot Mark IVs for sample preparation and two Aquilos 2 Cryo-FIBs to produce lamellae for cryo-ET.

The successful candidate, working closely with fellow imaging scientists at the HCBI and the HCCSB at Harvard Medical School will enhance and expand cryo-EM capabilities across Harvard, and the greater Boston scientific ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Microscope Operation and Training

Serve as a technical interface between users and the Talos Arctica, Glacios 2 and Titan Krios microscopes by loading samples and checking microscope alignments.

Independently perform scheduling and training of users to operate TEM microscopes, specifically, Talos Arctica, Glacios 2 and Titan Krios; including sample preparation (negative stain and cryo-plunging), grid loading, sample screening, and data collection.

Research Advisement and Collaboration

Independently advise researchers on experimental strategy.

When appropriate, collaborate to assist in data acquisition, analysis, and structure determination.

Facility Management

Coordinate with HCBI and HCCSB staff in purchasing, receiving, tracking, and stocking consumables and supplies.

Arrange for equipment repair, maintenance and certification for the Cryo-EM imaging core and Harvard Cryo-EM Center for Structural Biology, interfacing with vendors or Facilities as needed.

Collaborate with staff and scientists in the benchmarking and maintenance of microscopes and ancillary equipment.

Fee for Service Work

Perform staff-assisted screening to accelerate discovery.

Data collection setup for Industrial users as needed.

Community, Education & Standards

Contribute to the educational mission of the HCBI and HCCSB through lectures and workshops.

Regularly engage with facility users to promote scientific progress and promote skill mastery.

Contribute to continuous development of best practices and procedures.

With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

This is a position that is based at both the Boston and Cambridge Harvard campus locations. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Basic QualificationsPh.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related fields, with focus on the topic of structural biology

2 or more years of hands-on experience in Cryo-EM or Cryo-ET workflows and analysis.

Additional QualificationsPreferred Qualifications

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts with clarity and precision in a fast-paced, dynamic environment (e.g. demonstrated through scientific publications).

Experience performing single-particle cryo-EM sample prep and vitrification.

Experience operating cryo-EM microscopes with Autoloader systems (i.e. Glacios, Talos Arctica or Titan Krios).

Experience with Cryo-EM data processing.

Experience with biochemical optimization for cryo-EM projects.

Experience with molecular model building into cryo-EM Maps.

Must be detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

A passion for scientific discovery.

Excellent interpersonal skills with a service mindset.

Additional Qualifications

Please indicate in your cover letter if you have any of these additional skills:

Experience with high-pressure freezing

Experience with freeze substitution

Experience with cryo-ET sample prep (including FIB), imaging and data processing

Experience with Micro-ED

Experience with light microscopy

Special Instructions Required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Names and contact information for three people who have agreed to serve as your reference (Upload as “Note” document type)

Please submit application documents through the ARIeS portal. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews.

Expected Dates

• Start date: The position is expected to start as soon as possible.
• Duration: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position.

Contact InformationStephen Harrison/Richard Walsh

Seeley G. Mudd 130

250 Longwood Ave. Boston, MA 02115

Contact EmailRichard_Walsh@hms.harvard.eduSalary Range$80,000-$105,000, commensurate with experience

Minimum Number of References RequiredMaximum Number of References AllowedKeywords

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment StatementHarvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Note

Optional Documents

1. Publication