Sr. Research Analyst

uchicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Advanced Electron Microscopy Core seeks a Sr. Research Analyst to support users and develop Correlative LM/EM workflows.

You will operate high-end TEM, SEM, and cryo-light microscopes, collaborating with PIs to develop projects and train new users in cryo-ET and CLEM. Under moderate guidance, you will perform daily instrument alignments and quality checks, assist with data collection and analysis, and help write reports and manuscripts while ensuring compliance with

Qualifications

• Education: college/university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: 2–5 years in related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---

Responsibilities

• Loads samples, basic scope alignments, and provides operational guidance to users.
• Trains users on TEMs, SEMs, cryo-light microscopes, sample prep, and software.
• Participates in development and implementation of new equipment and research methods.
• Coordinates outreach opportunities and internal university research community activities.
• Supports data collection, literature reviews, and writing reports/manuscripts.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Independence

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

ImageJ/Fiji

IMOD

SerialEM

EPU

Job description

Department

BSD SRF - Electron Microscopy - Research

About the Department

The Advanced Electron Microscopy Facility's mission is to develop and apply cutting-edge cryo-preservation techniques that capture biological samples in their near-native 'live' state, enabling ultrastructural analysis through 3D electron tomography, Single Particle Analysis (SPA), and Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM); positioning it as a premier research resource at The University of Chicago.

Job Summary

The job participates in scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

The Sr. Research Analyst will support users of the Advanced Electron Microscopy Core, with a primary focus on building Correlative LM/EM workflows. Working under moderate guidance, this position is responsible for operating and maintaining high-end TEM, SEM, and cryo-light microscope platforms; collaborating with PIs to develop research projects; and training new users in cryo-ET and CLEM experimental design, cryo-preservation techniques, and instrument operation. Additional responsibilities include performing daily instrument alignments and quality checks and providing hands‑on user support within the facility.

Responsibilities

• Loads samples, basic scope alignments, and provide operational guidance to users on day-to-day activities.
• Provide user training on TEMs, SEMs, cryo-light microscopes, sample prep, and associated software packages, experimental design consultation to help researchers understand and implement core technology effectively, and troubleshooting during sample processing, imaging, or data analysis.
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of new equipment and research methodology.
• Participates in helping to coordinate scientific outreach opportunities; external: workshops and facility tours, and internal to the wider university research community strengthening cryo-ET and volume EM.
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in related field.

Experience: Experience with collecting cryo-ET data and data analysis, preferably with commercial microscope software (EPU, tomo, Maps, AutoTEM, DM, etc) and open-source analysis software such as ImageJ/Fiji, IMOD, and SerialEM.

Experience with TEM (cryo-autoloader systems such as the Krios, Glacios, etc), cryo FIB-SEM systems for preparing cryo-lamella, cryo-light microscopy (Leica Stellaris and iFLM) and cryo sample preparation.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to providing excellent service and support to users and collaborators.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong computer, record-keeping, time management, and follow-through skills.
• Adaptable and eager to learn, with the ability to quickly adopt new technologies and respond effectively to changing priorities and unscheduled needs.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgment and completing assignments with moderate guidance while contributing effectively as part of a team.

Working Conditions

Laboratory environment.

May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance (working with heavy metals, BSL2 samples, etc), shipping of hazardous material (shipping cryo-samples).

Working at a desk or sitting at a microscope.

Ability to go up and down stairs.