Electron Microscopy Specialist / Facility Leader (m/f/d)

 The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) is a pioneering basic research institute in Dresden, Germany focused on cell, developmental, and systems biology. The MPI-CBG shares a single research faculty with the Center for Systems Biology Dresden, combining experiments with theory in a collaborative research environment aimed at understanding how cells form tissues and organs. Our research spans multiple scales, from molecular assemblies to organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and organisms. Currently about 500 employees work at the institute, representing over 50 nations and a wide range of scientific expertise. As an employer, MPI-CBG offers a diverse working environment that fosters open communication, with a positive work-life balance, strong focus on community, and support for families.

The MPI-CBG is hiring an Electron Microscopy Specialist / Facility Leader (m/f/d).

We seek a highly communicative, motivated, and experienced specialist to work and coordinate operations in our state-of-the-art Electron Microscopy Facility. This role is pivotal in supporting cutting-edge research within the institute at both tissue and molecular scale. The Electron Microscopy Facility is part of our comprehensive suite of scientific core facilities and is responsible for providing a comprehensive range of services enabling high resolution imaging from the molecular scale (Cryo-EM) to large volume imaging. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art electron microscopes, enabling detailed structural analyses that drive discoveries in cell biology.

Role and responsibilities

We seek candidates at a senior level to coordinate and conduct EM projects and ideally lead the facility immediately or after an orientation phase.

• Manage the facility, including facility budget oversight, operational planning, and staff management. The degree of leadership responsibility will depend on seniority and interest.
• Provide guidance and insights into biology to the Electron Microscopy Facility team, ensuring state-of-the-art services for sample preparation, imaging, and data.
• Perform experiments and provide expert guidance and training to users in electron microscopy techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Contribute to analysis and interpretation of the acquired data
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to develop and optimize cutting-edge electron microscopy methodologies (CLEM, Cryo-EM, FIB-SEM).
• Contribute to maintaining and expanding the facility's equipment, ensuring peak operational efficiency and staying abreast of technological advancements.
• Drive innovation in electron microscopy applications, bridging molecular, cellular, and tissue scales to support the institute’s research goals.
• Engage in active scientific dialogue within the institute and with external collaborators, fostering a vibrant research community.
• Promote networks with other national and international Facilities and Units.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Biophysics, Biomedical Sciences or a related field, with a strong experience in electron microscopy
• demonstrated expertise in advanced electron microscopy techniques, including sample preparation, imaging, and data interpretation. Our emphasis is on Large Volume Electron Microscopy but applicants with experience in Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) and/or Correlative Light and Cryo-Electron Microscopy (CLEM) are strongly encouraged to apply if they are willing to build skills in Large Volume Electron Microscopy
• a proven track record of research achievements, including publications in high-impact journals
• strong collaborative and communication skills, with a commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research
• creativity and innovation in developing new microscopy techniques and applications
• experience in technology development and implementation in the realm of electron microscopy is highly valued
• as we work with different tools across multiple areas, you must be comfortable navigating challenging environments and solving complex problems
• fluency in English, the working language of the MPI-CBG

Desired scientific experience and experimental skills

• preferably experience in a core facility
• CLEM (room temperature and preferably cryo)
• freezing techniques (HPF and plungefreezing)
• chemical fixation, freeze substitution, ultramicrotomy (room temperature and preferably cryo)
• TEM tomography (room temperature and preferably cryo)
• standard SEM, Serial Block-Face SEM, and FIB/SEM (room temperature and preferably cryo)
• preferably experience in single particle analysis

We offer

• a stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment at a leading international research institute
• access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment
• opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• a collaborative, collegial atmosphere with a dynamic, supportive research community

• a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. Remuneration is in accordance with TVöD Bund (salary agreement for public service)
• social benefits of the public service (company pension scheme (VBL), annual special payment, subsidy for VVO job ticket, group accident insurance)
• active measures to promote company health management and work-life balance

The full-time position (39 hours/week) is available immediately. The initial contract is for 2 years with the expectation of prolongation contingent on the agreement of both parties.

How to apply

Please submit your application, including the following documents:

1. A cover letter detailing your qualifications and research interests.
2. A curriculum vitae (CV) with a list of publications.
3. A brief statement (1-2 pages) of your vision for the Electron Microscopy Facility and how you would contribute to the MPI-CBG research community.
4. Contact information for at least three professional references.

Applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF file via our online application system stating 2024-EMSpecialist-4110 by 16 August 2024.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Initial questions about the position can be addressed to Jussi Helppi, Services & Facilities Representative, via email or Anne Grapin-Botton, Managing Director, via email. Questions regarding the application process, contract, compensation or benefits may be addressed to email. For further information about the MPI-CBG and the CSBD see www.csbdresden.de, www.mpi-cbg.de.

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108
01307 Dresden
Germany

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity.
• The Max Planck Society specifically aims to increase the proportion of women in the areas in which they are underrepresented. We therefore explicitly invite women to apply.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
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