Support Scientist/ Electron Microscopy Scientist

About Us

The electron Bio-Imaging Centre (eBIC) at Diamond Light Source is the UK National Centre for cryo-electron microscopy in the life sciences. eBIC provides scientists with state-of-the-art equipment and expertise in the field of cryo-electron microscopy (CryoEM), for single particle analysis, cryo-electron tomography and electron crystallography. Together with eBIC for Industry, our site hosts eight TEM microscopes for the life sciences (5 Titan Krios's, 1 Talos Arctica, 2 Glacios's), 2 Dual Beam SEM’s capable of lamella milling (Scios and Aquilos 2 with cryo lift out) and a Leica cryoCLEM.

Located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire and integrated within Diamond Light source the centre provides a unique platform to exploit electron, light and synchrotron imaging capabilities through an integrated approach in the life sciences. Furthermore, eBIC and Diamond’s location at Harwell provides a unique environment to accelerate the development of the technique with partnerships in place with the Rosalind Franklin Institute (additional cutting-edge cryoEM instruments), the Research Complex at Harwell and CCP-EM).

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Support Scientist or Electron Microscopy Scientist with experience in CryoEM to join our team for a fixed term of one year, providing maternity cover for one of our permanent members of staff. 

As part of the eBIC scientific team you will contribute to operation of the facility, contribute to the external user programme and participate and contribute to the eBIC research and development programme. 

Applicants will be considered at either Support Scientist or Electron Microscopy Scientist level, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications.

As a Support Scientist, you will:

Support day-to-day operations of eBIC through assisting with the user programme. Provide technical and administrative support for in-house research projects as appropriate. Appointment at this level would ideally suit a biology graduate with an interest in bioimaging and structural biology. Training will be provided as required.

Responsibilities/duties include:

• Contribute to day-to-day operations of eBIC.
• Working with eBIC scientists provide support in operation of the external user programme
• Provide technical support for in-house research projects
• Provide general laboratory support including ordering and maintaining of general laboratory consumables
• Assist with organising training courses and other events at eBIC

As an EM Scientist you will:

Support day-to-day operations of eBIC through participation in the user programme and, contribute scientifically to the research and development of projects at eBIC.

Responsibilities/duties include:

• Contribute to operation and maintenance of eBIC microscopes.
• Assist in the operation of eBIC for users including carrying out a user support role via the local contact system.
• Assist in instrumentation upgrades to eBIC as required.
• Contribute to and participate in research projects on-going at eBIC.
• Promote the facility to the UK and worldwide community through presentations at conferences, workshops etc.
• Available to travel occasionally in the UK and overseas including overnight absences.
• Assist with organising training courses and other events at eBIC 

About You

As a Support Scientist you will have experience and ability in the following:

• Design, plan, organise, and implement projects and tasks within an allotted timeframe
• Experience in operating complex scientific equipment
• Use of small lab tools to handle small and fragile EM samples
• Working in a biological lab environment and using biological Imaging equipment

Experience in the following areas is desirable but not essential:

• The operation of a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
• Cryo-EM sample preparation and Cryo-TEM microscope operation.
• Training or mentoring others
• Windows/Linux/Unix
• Preparing biological specimens for TEM imaging

As an EM Scientist you will have an appropriate PhD degree or equivalent qualification or proven relevant experience as well as experience and ability in the following:

• Self-motivation.
• Operation of transmission electron microscopes especially for structural biology applications
• Demonstrated track record in cryoEM related research
• To lead own research project including budget and resource management.
• Windows/Linux/Unix

Experience in the following areas is desirable but not essential:

• Significant post-doctoral or equivalent experience
• Commissioning and operation of cryoEM equipment and instrumentation
• Experience with use of flexible experimental setups and/or sample environment equipment
• Knowledge of eBIC instrumentation and optics
• Project management
• Scientific programming and/or motion control

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

The closing date for applications is 6th April 2025, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.