Cryo-EM Operations Director (Senior Research Scientist)

Job Summary:

The overall mission of the Cryo-EM Operations Director is to facilitate cryo-EM research at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, empowering new and experienced users to move their Cryo-EM research forward. The Operations Director will manage day-to-day operations at the Macromolecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Shared Resource Facility, including EM specimen preparation and initial screening, operation of two state-of-the-art electron microscopes (120kV and 200kV), and EM data collection. Basic responsibilities will include daily instrument maintenance, facilitating automated EM data collection, and managing microscope time booking and billing. More importantly, the Operations Director will work with the Faculty Director to advise current and new facility users on all aspects of cryo-EM analysis, from specimen preparation to data collection and cryo-EM EM image processing. The Cryo-EM Operations Director will report to the Cryo-EM Facility Faculty Director.

Experienced Cryo-EM practitioners, especially those with some experience in Cryo-Electron Tomography specimen preparation and data analysis, are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

* Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders on their EM research projects

* Train new facility users

* Prepare and screen stained and cryo EM samples

* Set up and monitor automated EM data collection with CMOS and direct electron detectors

* Guide facility users through initial steps of EM specimen and image screening and processing

* Manage booking and billing for microscopes

* Manage administrative requests related to billing and use

* Routine maintenance and interaction with service engineers

* Work with users and the Faculty Director to enhance and expand services offered by the Cryo-EM Facility

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

Our department conducts research across a wide biological scale for fundamental scientific understanding with applications to many disease contexts. The overarching goal is to reach a level of molecular insight that helps develop therapeutic approaches to disease.

As biochemists and molecular geneticists, we are amid an unprecedented time of discovery - our conception of the molecular biology of cells is going from the equivalent of grainy black-and-white to high-resolution technicolor. From deciphering the choreography of transcription complexes, chromosomes, and RNA molecules within cells to developing novel approaches to 3D molecular structure determination to understanding how viruses hijack a cell's machinery and alter its metabolome, the researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) are at the forefront of their fields, conceptually and technologically.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, or a closely related field
• Four years of postdoctoral or equivalent professional experience in cryo-electron microscopy, including hands-on specimen preparation, microscope operation, automated data collection, and user support in a research or shared facility environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional level experience in conception and design of cryo-EM projects
• Familiarity with cryo-ET sample preparation, imaging, and image analysis, including experience in FIB-milling/CLEM
• Familiarity with X-ray crystallography and an ability to advice users on ways to complement crystallographic studies with cryo-EM single particle and cryo-ET approaches

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques

* Expert ability to analyze and solve complex problems

* Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally

* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution

* Outstanding facility user service skills

* Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

* Higher-level knowledge of Structural Biology, Instrumentation, and Computational Biology processes, functions and/or technology

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Francisco Asturias, Francisco.Asturias@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by February 13, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$110,000 to $130,000

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.