Cryo-Electron Microscopy Specialist

Socket.dev; Hamilton (MT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for

Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

401K match up to 5%

Educational Benefits for Career Growth

Employee Referral Bonus

Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare

Parking Reimbursement Account

Dependent Care Assistant Program

Transportation Reimbursement Account

Job summary

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company located in Hamilton, Montana, recruiting a cryo-electron microscopist to support infectious disease research in the Rocky Mountain Laboratories. This hands-on role emphasizes cryo-EM, room-temperature EM, and advanced techniques like CLEM and FIB-SEM, working with scientists across multiple groups.

Based in Hamilton, MT, the role collaborates with NIH investigators, maintains records, trains staff, and contributes to lab operations while

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field (Cell Biology, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or similar).
• Solid understanding of EM sample preparation and imaging workflows.

Responsibilities

• Perform negative staining on purified proteins to evaluate sample quality.
• Prepare biological samples for cryo-EM (plunge freezing) and perform imaging and analysis.
• Operate and help maintain TEM and other ancillary instruments, including troubleshooting when needed.
• Work closely with NIAID investigators to plan experiments, interpret results, and solve technical challenges.
• Help bring new capabilities online, including techniques like CLEM, FIB-SEM, and cryo-EM.
• Keep clear, well‑organized records in line with NIH standards for rigor and reproducibility.
• Train and support other lab members or facility users in EM techniques and image processing.
• Contribute to the overall operation of the lab, including equipment upkeep and safety compliance.

Skills

Cryo-EM

Image analysis

Team collaboration

Detail-oriented

Education

Master's degree in Cell Biology/Structural Biology/Biophysics

Tools

TEM

FIB-SEM

CLEM

Job description

(ID: 2026-3478)

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Benefits We Offer

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
• Healthcare (FSA)
• Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
• Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

About the Role

We are looking for a skilled Cryo-electron microscopist to join the Research Technologies Branch (RTB), Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU). This position is based at Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) in Hamilton, Montana. In this role, you’ll work closely with scientists in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, helping generate high-quality data that supports infectious disease research.

This is a hands‑on position for someone who enjoys both the technical side of electron microscopy and the collaborative nature of working with different research groups. If you have strong cryo‑EM experience and are excited about learning and applying newer approaches like room‑temperature EM, FIB-SEM, and cryo‑EM, this could be a great fit.

What You’ll Do

• Perform negative staining on purified proteins to evaluate sample quality.
• Prepare biological samples for cryo-EM (plunge freezing) and perform imaging and analysis.
• Operate and help maintain TEM and other ancillary instruments, including troubleshooting when needed.
• Work closely with NIAID investigators to plan experiments, interpret results, and solve technical challenges.
• Help bring new capabilities online, including techniques like CLEM, FIB-SEM, and cryo-EM.
• Keep clear, well‑organized records in line with NIH standards for rigor and reproducibility.
• Train and support other lab members or facility users in EM techniques and image processing.
• Contribute to the overall operation of the lab, including equipment upkeep and safety compliance.

What We’re Looking For

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field (Cell Biology, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or similar).
• Solid understanding of EM sample preparation and imaging workflows.

Nice to Have

Experience with, or strong interest in learning:

• Room temperature electron microscopy
• Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM)
• Focused Ion Beam-SEM (FIB-SEM)
• Familiarity with image analysis tools.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

• You’re a team player who enjoys working with a range of scientists and projects.
• You’re curious and motivated to learn new techniques and technologies.
• You’re organized, detail‑oriented, and take pride in producing high‑quality data.
• You can balance multiple priorities without losing track of the details.

Location: Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana.

Disclaimer

The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: [e-mail]

This role has a market‑competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range

$90,000 — $110,000 USD