Senior research engineer for electron diffraction and cryo-EM

Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37 000 students and about 4 700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. And the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is what it is all about. But also about delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. This is simply where the future is built.

Umeå University is looking for a senior research engineer with experience in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to work at Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy. The position is financed by grants from SciLifeLab, which through the Cryo-EM facility delivers service, training and use of electron microscopes and image analysis. The employment is for 12 months. Application deadline is 22 May 2023.

Work task
As a senior research engineer, you will provide researchers with expertise in the planning and performance of electron microscopy (EM), cryo-EM, electron diffraction (MicroED) and image analysis, mainly in biological and biochemical research areas. You will be involved in teaching shorter methodology, -courses at postgraduate level and provide user training EM methods. Work assignments include, operation and maintenance of instruments and computer systems, as well as assisting researchers in preparation of EM samples, data collection, and image analysis. You will also act as a coordinator for ongoing facility projects and collaborations between partner microscopy facilities in Sweden and internationally. The work is planned together with the facility’s other staff and is carried out independently or together with collaborators and facility users. Our working language is English.

Required Knowledge
We are looking for a person with a PhD in structural biology, molecular biology or biotechnology. You have extensive experience in EM data collection and analysis for structural biology, such as single particle analysis (SPA), (MicroED), modelling and visualization for structural biology. Very good computer skills with a focus on image analysis for structure biology 3D reconstruction is required.

You are independent and flexible and can take on new challenges, establish new methods and participate in several different projects in parallel. It is important that you have good collaborative skills, are open to receive and pass on expert knowledge, as well as good communication skills. You should be able to express yourself in English in speech and writing. You take initiatives, are creative, have a service-minded attitude towards the facility work, in order to help facility users and research groups with research projects to achieve results.

Great emphasis is placed on technical competence (experience of EM methods and image analysis) and personal motivation to work with research infrastructure and service functions.

It is desirable to have experience of different types of electron microscopes, instrument handling is a merit. Knowledge of programming or experience in development of IT solutions and software as well.

Application
The application should include a personal letter with motivation for why you are applying for the position, references to research projects using the MSc, CV, degree certificate including doctoral degree, other relevant certificates and grades as well as names and contact information to at least two reference persons.

The deadline for applications is 22 May 2023.  You apply via our e-recruitment system.

Terms of employment
The employment is full-time and is limited to 12 months. Starting date as soon as possible or by agreement.

Further
information can be obtained from UCEM coordinator Linda Sandblad, tel: +46 (0)709324936 or e-mail: linda.sandblad@umu.se