Research Scientist/Engineer 3
$81,600–$108,000 year
On-siteSeattle, Washington, United States
Job Summary
Conduct structural studies of computationally designed proteins and nanomaterials using negative-stain and cryo-EM single-particle analysis, with an emphasis on sub-100 kDa structures. Process EM data, perform 3D reconstructions, build and validate structural models, and collaborate with researchers to provide structural insights. Train junior researchers in cryo-EM methodologies, develop standard operating procedures, and manage maintenance schedules for Talos L120C microscopes and associated sample preparation stations. Coordinate instrument operation at national centers, oversee sample shipments, and prepare manuscripts and publication-quality figures. This role supports the Institute for Protein Design's mission to create novel therapeutics, vaccines, and protein-based nanomaterials.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Physics or related field
- 4 years of relevant experience with electron microscopy-based sample characterization
- Expertise in single-particle analysis workflows for cryo-EM
- Proficiency in cryo-EM data processing software such as cryoSPARC, Relion, EMAN, Dynamo, and/or IMOD, including experience with tools commonly used for tomography data processing
- Proficiency in structural modeling and validation software such as Phenix, Rosetta, Chimera, ISOLDE, Namdinator, and COOT
- Strong experience working in command-line environments (Linux/Unix terminals)
- Proven experience mentoring and training researchers in cryo-EM and ns-EM techniques
- Strong technical and scientific problem-solving skills
- Exceptional ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- A collaborative mindset with a strong desire to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Desired Qualifications
- Doctorate degree in biochemistry, biology, or any other relevant field
- 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 determination of small (sub-100 kDa) protein structures
- Familiarity with managing and maintaining cryo-EM instrumentation
- Experience with protein expression, purification, and cryo-EM sample optimization
- Strong understanding of structural biology principles and their application to protein design and analysis
- Experience with grant writing or securing funding for scientific projects
- Ability to publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences
- Experience implementing or contributing to automated data collection workflows for cryo-EM
- Familiarity with high-performance computing environments for large-scale data processing
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