Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

Cryo-EM Scientist - University of Wisconsin-Madison

United States

Application deadline: 28 Jun 2026

Overview

The UW-Madison Cryo-EM Research Centers comprise two facilities, the UW-Madison Department of Biochemistry Cryo-EM Research Center and the NIH-funded Midwest Center for Cryo-ET. Together, these Centers house state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) instrumentation, including multiple Titan Krios TEMs, a Talos Arctica TEM, cryo-FIB-SEMs, and advanced sample preparation and computational infrastructure. These technologies support bioscience researchers from academia and government, and private industry.

The Cryo-EM Scientist will be responsible for training new center users; operations of the instruments on behalf of users; developing advanced analytical techniques on behalf of the centers; staying abreast of advances within the community in order to incorporate those techniques within the centers; and representing the centers within the broader community at meetings, conferences, exhibits, and through peer-reviewed publications. This position is an excellent opportunity for an individual to work with cutting-edge instrumentation for Cryo-EM, cryo-ET, micro-ED, and cryo-FIB milling in state-of-the-art Cryo-EM research facilities.

Ideally, we are looking for a colleague with previous EM, Cryo-EM, light microscopy, or structural biology experience. There are ample opportunities for team training in all Cryo-EM modalities. This Cryo-EM Scientist will work with other center scientists as a team to support the missions of the Cryo-EM research centers. However, this individual should be self-motivated and able to work independently on a range of projects and tasks. This Cryo-EM Scientist will join a team of scientists and administrative staff to support the growing Cryo-EM research resources and community at UW-Madison.

This is a full time, 100%, ongoing/renewable appointment. Normal hours are 7:45am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekends may be required for this position.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Biophysics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or related field required.
• Relevant research experience in the biological sciences that could include an understanding of cell biology, microbiology, protein biochemistry, or another appropriate sub-discipline.
• Experience with microscopy including light microscopy (fluorescence), electron microscopy, and/or cryo-electron microscopy.
• Experience with cryo-preparation techniques such as plunge-freezing, high-pressure freezing, cryo-microtomy, cryo-FIB milling, and other approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and establish relationships with colleagues and collaborators in both oral and written forms of communication.
• A demonstrated ability to train or teach effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in computational analysis of microscopy and/or Cryo-EM data.
• Basic familiarity with both tomographic and single-particle Cryo-EM methods.
• Experience in correlating images or data from multiple instruments to both target a region of interest or enhance the total analysis of the sample under study.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the job description at our website. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/application materials:

• Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background
• Cover letter (required) – Address each of the required and preferred qualifications as they relate to your work experience.

Finalists will be asked to provide contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

It is important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

For any questions, please contact:

• College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), Human Resources Manager, Erin Cook at erin.cook@wisc.edu
• College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), HR Generalist, Stefanie Lannoye at stefanie.lannoye@wisc.edu