Staff Scientist 1

The EM Core Facility supports basic and translational neuroscience research across NINDS by providing state-of-the-art electron microscopy imaging, sample preparation, and correlative imaging services to intramural investigators studying the nervous system in health and disease. The NINDS EM Core is a collaborative, service-oriented facility, located in Bethesda, MD that aims to be a central hub for high-quality ultrastructural and correlative imaging in support of neuroscience research across the Institute.

Major duties for this position

The incumbent will demonstrate continuous improvement of facility equipment, resources, and procedures, and will recommend innovative and state-of-the-art enhancements to expand facility capabilities. The Director will maintain core facility equipment and instrumentation in proper working conditions with minimal downtime, manage routine maintenance, calibration, and quality control schedules, and independently resolve technical problems, escalating complex issues to vendors or specialists as needed. The incumbent will maintain an excellent grasp of technology, independently keep abreast of new approaches and scientific resources in the field, and efficiently orchestrate the daily routines of the facility.

The incumbent will advance the technical and scientific capabilities of the facility through method development and technology integration, including developing and validating new protocols or optimizing existing methodologies to improve data quality, throughput, and cost-efficiency. The Director will evaluate and integrate cutting-edge EM technologies and approaches that expand the facility's research capabilities and anticipate emerging scientific trends to keep the facility at the forefront of the field. The incumbent will demonstrate strong contributions to the user community through training facility users, providing consultation to potential users on experimental design and feasibility, and offering ongoing technical support for new and existing projects.The Director will develop training programs and resources that build user independence and technical proficiency and will mentor junior scientists and trainees in advanced EM techniques.

The incumbent will complete required administrative responsibilities, including usage tracking, scheduling, budget management, and reporting, in an accurate and timely manner, and will ensure the facility operates in compliance with all applicable safety protocols and regulatory requirements. The Director will participate in facility planning discussions, communicate effectively with the steering committee regarding operational needs, and proactively pursue opportunities to increase awareness of facility services among NINDS investigators. The incumbent will develop and implement strategic initiatives to expand the facility's capabilities, user base, and scientific impact, and will build collaborative partnerships with other cores and external organizations that create new opportunities for intramural investigators.

The individual must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with at least 5 years of experience working in a laboratory or core facility setting, including a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in electron microscopy.

Individual must have expertise in neuroscience with a deep, working understanding of mammalian central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nervous system (PNS), and muscle anatomy, along with extensive hands-on experience performing EM on cultured neurons and other cell types.

The individual will have a strong record of research and/or postdoctoral training, demonstrated by primary and collaborative authorship in peer‑reviewed publications across internationally recognized journals.

Preferred Expertise

• Expertise in pre-embedding immunogold labeling techniques
• Expertise in APEX labeling techniques
• Strong core competency in correlative electron microscopy techniques, including correlation with light microscopy and other advanced imaging modalities
• Expertise in both cryo- and aldehyde-based fixation of tissue and cell specimens for conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM), including flash freezing and freeze substitution techniques
• Technical expertise in embedding, staining, and sectioning techniques for conventional transmission electron microscopy, with the ability to teach these techniques to additional staff in the core facility
• Deep expertise in obtaining high-quality conventional electron microscopy images; experience with techniques such as tomography is a plus
• Deep knowledge of the maintenance and operation of transmission electron microscopes, with the ability to work with field support staff on repairs needed and to provide the expertise needed to keep the facility equipped with state-of-the-art equipment