Electron Microscopy Project Manager - 138487

UCSD Health Sciences is a $1 billion dollar plus organization encompassing 16 academic departments (14 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 2 pre-academic/hospital departments, 2 professional schools (School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), 2 hospitals, and various other programs and units all dedicated towards fulfilling the Health Sciences missions. The UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers study fundamental cellular processes and pathways using a variety of techniques from classical genetics and fluorescence microscopy to high-throughput genomics, systems biology, and crystallography. Our 36 faculty and over 200 postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and research staff work on the cutting edge of biology, cutting across fields from basic biochemistry and genetics to genomics, systems biology and stem cell biology. The faculty also play a major role in medical and graduate student training, providing educational and programmatic offerings that span several disciplines and provide diversity to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of students and scholars.The diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and talents creates a robust work environment withchallenging career opportunities and a commitment to continued growth potential. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically-advanced, and deeply interested individuals who are ready to become a part of our dynamic research and educational environment.

The electron microscopy project manager will work with Director to manage & perform all applicable techniques in electron microscopy including collection and processing of cells and tissues, high resolution transmission EM, chemical fixation and staining, resin (plastic) processing, ultrathin sectioning, and digital imaging of multiple biomedical and cell biological projects. The project manager will be responsible for troubleshooting the protocols as well as the electron microscopes.

Additional duties include providing fixation and perfusion solutions to facility users and customers. The project Manager will communicate with all users and customers of the EM facility; manage the recharge facility's work queue at a high rate of throughput with minimal supervision; and maintain microscopes and related equipment, storage, stock management, ordering and distribution of antibodies and reagents.

The Project Manager will collect data for publication and grant applications, prepare high-quality digital images, and perform database management and record-keeping duties. Finally, the Project Manager will train and oversee the laboratory assistants. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology or related field typically attained with a Bachelor's Degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous working experience in biological specimen preparation for Transmission Electron Microscopy (resin embedding method) and ultrathin sectioning using glass and diamond knives (ultramicrotomy).

• Advance practical knowledge with electron microscopes, ultramicrotomes, and other laboratory equipment.

• Knowledge of biology, cell and tissue structure

• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions, analyze situations, solve problems, and initiate actions for effective program and project management. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems and develop innovative solutions.

• Proven ability to effectively interface with facility customers/users on the Electron Microscopes. Proven experience providing users with consultations, scientific guidance, experimental design protocols, project ideas, and troubleshooting on fixation and perfusion solutions. Experience providing specific methods applicable to complex and difficult research projects based on experience.

• Demonstrated experience in performing experimental protocols unsupervised and in recommending modifications to procedures and protocols to meet the needs of research projects. Proven advanced ability to contribute to experimental design and assist with the analysis and interpretation of results.

• Experience in specimen preparation and ultrathin sectioning using glass and diamond knives.

• Proven ability to utilize an unusual combination of long-term experience, knowledge, and extraordinary TEM skills, requiring the ability to make significant innovative changes to the studies involved, and to standard and experimental procedures.

• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Word & Excel programs, use of digital imaging software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop).

• Knowledge of preparatory techniques for light microscopy and electron microscopy.

• Demonstrated ability to organize time, set priorities, meet established deadlines and recognize new problems with constantly changing priorities and frequent interruptions.

• Proven ability to direct and train professional and technical staff in the usage of electron microscope.

• Demonstrated ability to create and use complex databases, and to keep meticulous, accurate and well-organized records.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment. Ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials.

• Prior experience in a TEM core facility.

• Experience in correlative microscopy.

• Experience in immunoEM techniques.

• Publication record demonstrating expertise in TEM techniques.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to vary work schedule to accommodate research needs.

• Must be willing to work in close proximity to radioactive and biohazardous materials

• Must be willing to have exposure to rodents.