Research Scientist – College of Arts & Sciences Microscopy

The College of Arts & Sciences Microscopy (CASM) at Texas Tech University invites applications for a Research Scientist in light and electron microscopy and flow cytometry. CASM will consider applicants with proficiency in transmission electron microscopy and its applications in life- and biomedical science, flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry, and sample preparation techniques including tissue and cell fixing, embedding, and sectioning. A willingness to develop proficiency in the necessary skill areas is necessary; experience with biopsy protocols would be advantageous. The successful applicant will support CASM’s smooth operation, including but not limited to: maintain the facility and CAP accreditation; assisting users prepare samples for analysis; providing experimental design expertise to facility users; training of new users in appropriate experimental design and instrument use; collecting and interpreting data; and, tracking facility usage. Salary will be commensurate with experience and appointment at the rank of Senior Research Scientist will be considered. Review of applications will commence on 1 November 2021 with a preferred start-date of 1 January 2022.

CASM is an advanced microscopy facility that serves the education, research and medical communities of the Southern High and Rolling Plains. The facility houses 4 electron microscopes including a dual-beam FIB, a 4-laser Attune NxT flow cytometer, a 5-laser FACS Aria III sorter, 2 epifluorescent microscopes, a 5-laser FV3000 and a 4-laser spinning disc confocal microscopes, and sample preparation equipment. CASM serves ~175 individual users each year and supports projects across the biomedical and life-sciences, agricultural sciences including food safety, animal and veterinary medicine and plant and soil science, human sciences and bio-engineering.

Desired Qualifications

  • Prepare biological samples for transmission electron microscopy
  • Cut and quality control ultrathin sections
  • Perform transmission electron microscopy
  • Perform flow cytometry
  • Sort cells and maintain high viability and sterility
  • Embed and cut paraffin-embedded and cryo-preserved tissue
  • Stain tissue with fluorescent dyes and histological stains
  • Analyze and interpret results

Required Qualifications

  • M.S. or PhD in biology, chemistry, physics or related field
  • Ability to learn and perform sample preparation, advanced light and electron microscopy, and flow cytometry
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to accurately pipette small volumes and manipulate small samples
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work with human and animal tissue
  • Ability to safely work with hazardous chemicals
  • Ability to safely work in a Bio-Safety Level 2 environment

Applications should include 1) a letter of application, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a statement of microscopy and cytometry expertise and experience, and 4) names and contact details of at least three referees. Applications must be submitted by uploading documents at http://www.texastech.edu/careers/ requisition #25675BR or use the quick link: https://bit.ly/2YbQ7aF. Questions should be emailed to CASM Director Callum Hetherington ([email protected]).

As an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, Texas Tech University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. We actively encourage applications from all those who can contribute, through their employment, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community at Texas Tech University. The University welcomes applications from minoritized candidates, women, veterans, persons with disabilities and dual career couples.