NeCEN Cryo-electron microscopy scientist

The Netherlands Centre for Electron Nanoscopy (NeCEN) at Leiden University, The Netherlands is looking for a:

Cryo-electron microscopy scientist (0.8-1.0 fte)
Vacancy number: 15450

Key responsibilities
NeCEN is looking for a highly talented scientist experienced in cryo-electron microscopy who would like to contribute to the performance of an advanced cryo-EM centre at a world-class level. 

You will maintain optimal equipment performance and collect high-quality data as part of a team, with the aim of providing optimal service to NeCEN's users. 

NeCEN hosts a Titan Krios microscope (K3 detector) and a Glacios 2 (Falcon4i detector), ancillaries equipment as well as computing resources. The primary responsibility for this position is to assist users at the Glacios and if applicable support data collection at the Titan Krios. In some cases support will be needed for sample preparation and data processing.

Responsibilities and duties:

• Data screening and data collection on Glacios and Titan Krios microscopes, monitor data quality
• Communicate experimental details to users, assist with data analysis in the context of collaborative projects and write experimental methods for resulting publications
• Together with the other team members take care of the advanced cryo-EM microscope equipment and ancillary equipment (cryo-plunger, glow discharger, etc)
• Explore and implement improved data-collection strategies, including testing new software and hardware
• Consult with other cryo-EM experts in the region and internationally by participating in cryo-EM meetings and workshops
• Willingness to occasionally work evenings and/or weekends to ensure maximal use of microscopes

Selection criteria

• MSc or PhD in the fields of biology, chemistry, or physics
• A keen interest in contributing to and running an international centre for advanced cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography
• Previous experience in maintaining microscopy equipment and working in a lab would be an advantage
• Service oriented approach & good communication skills
• Fluent witten and spoken English 

About our organization
NeCEN is part of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University in close vicinity to Schiphol airport, Amsterdam and The Hague. Opportunities are provided for further professional development of cryo-EM skills and data processing through courses, training, meetings, and conferences within the field of cryo-EM. NeCEN is closely associated with cryo-EM imaging groups in the Netherlands and is a key node in the Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure (NEMI) consortium. NeCEN furthermore collaborates with other advanced electron microscopy sites in Europe to enhance technical performance and participates in international research and development projects aimed at providing access to highly advanced infrastructure for Structural Biology, such as Instruct-ERIC.

Terms and conditions 
The appointment is temporary for one year. The salary depends on previous experience and ranges from € 3.378,- to € 5.331,- gross per month (pay scale 10) on fulltime basis, in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University and IIAS. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Ludovic Renault (Head of NeCEN, l.renault@biology.leidenuniv.nl). Information about NeCEN can be found at www.necen.nl and on employment at Leiden University at https://workingat.leiden.edu/.

Applications 
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• A letter of motivation including research interests and highlighting fit for the position (max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Relevant certificates (e.g. degree certificate)
• Contact details of two references      

Only applications received by 28 February 2025 will be considered. This vacancy will be part of a rolling applications process, which means applications will be reviewd on an ongoing basis.

The selection procedure will involve a Skype interview shortly after positively reviewing your application. A possible second interview at NeCEN will take place shortly afterwards with an immediate starting date. Received applications will be reviewed weekly. Interviews will be arranged immediately afterwards.