General Information
| Payroll Title | SRA 3 | Title Code | 009611 | Grade/Step | Working Title | Staff Research Associate 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department Name | Misc Core Facilities | Supervisor | Krassimir N Bozhilov | Department Head | Green, Harry W |
Special Requirements and Conditions
| Critical Position |
| Overtime |
Level of Supervision Received
| Close Supervision |
Items Used
| Ancillary equipment for physical and biological specimen preparation related to microscopy |
| Transmission electron microscopes with digital imaging |
| Focused ion beam instrument |
| Computers |
| Scanning electron microscopes with analytical spectrometers and electron diffraction systems |
| Analytical spectrometers and diffraction accessories |
Position Purpose
| This is a position for electron microscopy laboratory technician classified as staff research associate, who will assist the manager of the UCR Central Facility For Advanced Microscopy and Microanalysis (CFAMM). Position responsibilities include operation and routine maintenance of the electron and ion beam instruments and all phases of sample preparation and analysis for various types of materials. This person will generally work independently to determine the best methods and techniques required for each application, through experience, research or experimentation. This position includes training and collaboration with users in specimen preparation, CFAMM instrument operation, and related techniques. This person will perform other tasks required for operation and maintenance of the facility as assigned by the CFAMM manager. |
Essential Functions
| Essential Function | % Time |
|---|---|
| Operation of CFAMM instrumentation | 40 |
| 1. Operate transmission and scanning electron microscopes and the attached analytical systems and computers, including acquisition of images and performance of electron beam micro-analysis. 2. Operate focused ion beam system for imaging, milling and patterning applications. 3. Provide assistance, collaboration and training in instrument operation to users and researchers as necessary. 4. Conduct operational maintenance and alignment of microscopes and ancillary equipment. |
|
| Sample preparation | 30 |
| 1. Develop and implement through experience or experimentation appropriate sample preparation techniques for various techniques for electron beam imaging and analysis. 2. Prepare specimens for transmission electron microscopy including suspensions techniques, ion milling, focused ion beam (FIB) milling, cutting and mechanical polishing, fixation, dehydration, embedding, sectioning, staining, negative staining, immunolabeling, critical point drying, and any other techniques required. 3. Prepare specimens for scanning electron microscopy including vacuum evaporation, sputter coating, thinning, polishing, fixation, dehydration, critical point drying and any other related techniques. 4. Perform specialized photomicrography techniques and digital imaging processing. Develop and print photographic negatives. 5. Conduct training to CFAMM users with respect to techniques and equipment for specimen preparation and use of facility computers |
|
| Laboratory Maintenance | 30 |
| 1. Maintain a clean and safe working environment in all areas of the laboratory. 2. Assist in maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. 3. Assist in maintenance of CFAMM equipment in good working conditions. 4. Assist in the development and maintenance of the CFAMM website. 5. Prepares reagents and helps maintain chemical inventory and manage chemical waste. 6. Other tasks as assigned by the CFAMM manager. |
|
Minimum Requirements
| Minimum Requirement | Display Ranking |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| Two year technical certificate, AAS Degree, or equivalent. | |
| 2 | |
| Experience in various methods of sample preparation techniques for electron microscopes and focused ion beam instruments. | |
| 3 | |
| Experience in operation and maintenance of vacuum equipment and microscopes. | |
| 4 | |
| Ability to operate and maintain basic parts of electron microscopes and ancillary equipment. | |
| 5 | |
| Good communication skills in dealing with staff and users of the facility. | |
| 6 | |
| Experience with digital image processing. | |
| 7 | |
| Demonstrated ability to maintain a clean and orderly laboratory environment. | |
| 8 | |
| Experience and knowledge in handling chemicals. | |
| 9 | |
| General computer skills and specific computer skills as related to microscope operation and microanalysis. | |
| 10 | |
| Ability to take direction and to work well with a wide variety of people. | |
Preferred Qualifications
| Preferred Qualification | Display Ranking |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| Knowledge and experience in the use of scanning and transmission electron microscopes. | |
| 2 | |
| Knowledge and experience in the use and maintenance of vacuum equipment. | |
| 3 | |
| Associate degree or higher in electron microscopy. | |
| 4 | |
| Knowledge and experience in electron beam microanalysis. | |
| 5 | |
| Knowledge and experience in operation of Focused Ion Beam instruments. | |
| 6 | |
| Knowledge and experience in computer and web site maintenance. | |
| 7 | |
| Extensive knowledge of sample preparation, chemical reagents and laboratory supplies. | |
| 8 | |
| Knowledge of UCR safety protocols. | |
| 9 | |
| Knowledge and experience in troubleshooting and repairing electronic and electrical devices. | |
| 10 | |
| Good organizational and problem-solving skills. | |
| Posted Position Purpose |
|---|
| This is a carrier position for electron microscopy laboratory technician. Responsibilities include assisting the facility manager in operation and routine maintenance of the electron and ion beam instruments and training and assisting users on specimen preparation, instrument operation, and related techniques and all phases of sample preparation for electron microscopy and microanalysis of inorganic materials as well as biological tissue. This person will generally work independently to determine the best methods and techniques required for each application, through experience, research or experimentation and perform other tasks required for operation of the facility as assigned by the facility manager. |
| Posted Minimum Requirements |
| Technical AA degree or equivalent with background in laboratory sciences. Knowledge of sample preparation for electron microscopy. Experience in operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of electronic equipment and electrical devices. Experience and knowledge in handling chemicals. General computer skills and specific computer skills as related to microscope operation and microanalysis. Good communication skills in dealing with staff and users of the facility. Experience with digital image processing. Demonstrated ability to maintain a clean and orderly laboratory environment. Ability to take directions and to work well with a wide variety of people. |
| Posted Preferred Qualifications |
| Knowledge and experience in the use of scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Knowledge and experience in the use of focused ion beam instruments. Knowledge and experience in the use and maintenance of vacuum equipment. Associate degree or higher in electron microscopy. Knowledge and experience in electron beam microanalysis. Knowledge and experience in computer and web site maintenance. Extensive knowledge of sample preparation and laboratory supplies. Knowledge of UCR safety protocols. Knowledge and experience in troubleshooting and repairing electronic and electrical devices Good organizational and problem-solving skills. |