Electron Microscopy (EM) Specialist (2 positions)

Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields Electron Microscopy (EM) Specialist (2 positions) Main contact for further information: Dr. Alessio Lorusso (a.lorusso@izs.it)

About the Institute The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM, www.izs.it) is a public research institute of the Italian Ministry of Health with a leading role in animal health, public health and One Health. IZSAM hosts several National and International Reference Centers, including those for exotic animal diseases, epidemiology and risk analysis, genomics and bioinformatics, and plays a key role in surveillance, preparedness and research on emerging and re‑emerging pathogens.

IZSAM is establishing an integrated research infrastructure that will represent a unique environment at national and European level, combining within the same campus:

A completely new Cryo‑Electron Microscopy Unit, including a Titan Krios 4 (equipped with CFEG, Selectris energy filter and Falcon 4i detector; upgrade to Titan 5 is currently under negotiation) and a Bio‑Hydra DualBeam system (equipped with iFLM, EasyLift and compatible with spin mill applications) operating in a BSL‑3‑compatible laboratory for imaging and characterization of high‑risk pathogens;

Experimental BSL‑3 laboratories for large animals and laboratory animals, enabling in vivo and ex vivo studies under high biocontainment;

Established expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, epidemiology and risk analysis.

This infrastructure will enable end‑to‑end research pipelines within a functionally segregated and fully compliant biosafety framework.

Position(s) Overview A primary objective of IZSAM is to establish a team of experts in electron microscopy within the life sciences. To this end, the institute seeks to recruit two Electron Microscopy (EM) Specialists to operate and support technical and operational activities of the Cryo‑EM Unit. Given the broad nature of applications that will be offered by the IZSAM Cryo‑EM Unit, the institute is seeking to recruit:

One EM Specialist with solid and proven expertise on single‑particle applications, including sample preparation by negative staining and plunge freezing, imaging by TEM at cryogenic temperatures on autoloader equipped systems, and all related applications and software (e.g. SerialEM and Thermo Scientific EPU, Tomography, Velox and MAPS);

One EM Specialist with solid and proven expertise on Volume EM applications, which include chemical fixation, high‑pressure freezing, freeze substitution, resin embedding, ultramicrotomy, imaging by TEM and FIB‑SEM, the latter also including related sample preparation tasks (i.e. spin milling and cryo‑lamella preparation).

Main Responsibilities (for both positions)

The Specialists will report directly to the Cryo‑EM Unit and will work in close collaboration with other Units of IZSAM;

Coordinate the scientific, technical and operational management of the Cryo‑EM facility and its interfaces with high‑containment laboratories;

Ensure effective coordination with institutional biosafety officers responsible for BSL‑3 compliance;

Define and harmonize operational workflows and SOPs in collaboration with research units and biosafety experts;

Actively participation in resource planning and maintenance of the Cryo‑EM Unit equipment, tools and consumables;

Introduce, train and supervise internal and external users to sample preparation, equipment operations and provide evaluation support;

Interaction with users to facilitate their access, to elaborate experimental protocols and project plans, to provide technical assistance during the project and feedback after delivery of results;

Perform experiments and provide services for non‑autonomous users;

Interact and follow up with manufacturers and field service engineers in case of technical issues and malfunctions of the Unit equipment and tools;

Manage research projects whose purpose is to advance the Unit and the institute’s scientific environment;

Actively participate in Unit reviews by external and internal experts;

Promote networks with other national and international Facilities and Units.

Mandatory Requirements

MSc in Life Sciences or related fields;

Proven hands‑on experience acquired during PhD and/or postdoctoral training in single‑particle analysis, electron microscope operation and biological sample preparation workflows.

Expertise in structural and ultrastructural characterization and analysis of biological samples;

Fluency in English – IZSAM is an international research institute.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in managing shared or core research facilities;

Solid understanding of biosafety principles;

At least 2 EMDB and/or PDB codes;

Experience working at the interface between high‑end instrumentation and high‑containment laboratories;

Established international scientific network.

Organizational and Social Skills

Strong communication, team‑building and problem‑solving skills;

Ability to interact effectively with multidisciplinary teams and work synergistically to drive projects;

Highly organised and meticulous work attitude.

Application Instructions

a CV;

a motivation letter in English (max 1 page);

a list of relevant instruments for which the applicant is an autonomous operator, with published references (e.g. EMDB, EMPIAR; preprints accepted);

names and contacts of at least two referees.

For further information, please contact: a.lorusso@izs.it

Additional Information IZSAM offers a highly collaborative, international and diverse work environment and provides access to cutting‑edge Core Facilities. IZSAM is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and offers attractive conditions and benefits, including a competitive salary. Researchers relocating to Italy may benefit from income tax incentives if eligible.

Number of positions offered: 2

Contract: Fixed‑term (3 years), renewable – Employee level

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