The Netherlands Centre for Electron Nanoscopy (NeCEN) at Leiden University, The Netherlands is looking for a:

Cryo-electron microscopy scientist (1.0 fte)
Vacancy number: 22-720

Key responsibilities
NeCEN is looking for a highly talented scientist experienced in cryo-electron microscopy who would like to contribute to the performance of an advanced cryo-EM centre at a world-class level.

You will maintain optimal equipment performance and collect high-quality data as part of a team, with the aim of providing optimal service to NeCEN's users.

NeCEN hosts a range of instruments such as two Titan Krios microscopes (K2 and K3 detectors), a Talos L120C TEM, an Aquilos Cryo-FIB (cryo-lamellae preparation for tomography), cryo-CLEM setup and ancillaries equipment as well as computing resources. The primary responsibility for this position is to assist users with the Titan Krios data collection and in some cases also sample preparation and/or data processing. Additionally, EM scientists at NeCEN are offered to perform collaborative research and technical development (approx. 20% of the time) to help ensure NeCEN remains at the forefront of electron microscopy.

Responsibilities and duties:

• Data collection on Titan Krios microscopes, monitor data quality
• Communicate experimental details to users, assist with data analysis in the context of collaborative projects and write experimental methods for resulting publications
• Together with the other team members take care of the advanced cryo-EM microscope equipment and ancillary equipment (cryo-plunger, glow discharger, Focussed Ion Beam.)
• Explore and implement improved data-collection strategies, including testing new software and hardware
• Consult with other cryo-EM experts in the region and internationally by participating in cryo-EM meetings and workshops
• Willingness to occasionally work evenings and/or weekends to ensure maximal use of microscopes

Selection criteria

• MSc or PhD in the fields of biology, chemistry, or physics
• A keen interest in contributing to and running an international centre for advanced cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography
• Previous experience in maintaining microscopy equipment and working in a lab would be an advantage
• Previous experience in cryo-FIB or cryo-CLEM would be valued
• Service oriented approach & good communication skills
• Fluent witten and spoken English

Terms and conditions
The appointment initially is temporary for one year. Renewal depends on performance, need and funding. The salary depends on previous experience and ranges from € 2.960,- to € 4.760,- gross per month (pay scale 10) on fulltime basis, in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

About our organization
NeCEN is part of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University and is embedded in the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) located in Leiden, in close vicinity to Schiphol airport, Amsterdam and The Hague. Opportunities are provided for further professional development of cryo-EM skills and data processing through courses, training, meetings, and conferences within the field of cryo-EM. NeCEN is closely associated with cryo-EM imaging groups in the Netherlands and is a key node in the Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure (NEMI) consortium. NeCEN furthermore collaborates with other advanced electron microscopy sites in Europe to enhance technical performance and participates in international research and development projects aimed at providing access to highly advanced infrastructure for Structural Biology, such as Instruct-ERIC and Inext-Discovery.