NeCEN is seeking a highly skilled and motivated scientist with strong expertise in cryo‑electron microscopy to help drive the performance of our advanced cryo‑EM center at a world‑class level.

In this role, you will be responsible for sample preparation, cryo‑EM data collection, and data processing, ensuring optimal instrument performance and delivering high‑quality data to support NeCEN’s diverse user community. You will work closely with a collaborative team dedicated to providing exceptional service and maintaining cutting‑edge cryo‑EM capabilities.

Our facility hosts a comprehensive suite of state‑of‑the‑art instruments, including:

• 200 kV Glacios and 300 kV Krios 5 microscopes equipped with Falcon 4i detectors and Selectris energy filters
• Talos L120C TEM

• Aquilos Cryo‑FIB for cryo‑lamella preparation

• Cryo‑CLEM setup and full ancillary equipment
• Robust computing resources for data processing

In addition to supporting users, cryo‑EM scientists at NeCEN may dedicate approximately 20% of their time to collaborative research and technical development, helping ensure the center remains at the forefront of electron microscopy innovation.

What you will do

• Perform high‑quality data collection on Titan Krios microscopes and monitor data quality throughout experiments
• Communicate experimental details to users, conduct data analysis for collaborative projects, and contribute to writing experimental methods for publications
• Maintain and support advanced cryo‑EM instrumentation and ancillary equipment (e.g., cryo‑plunger, glow discharger, FIB) together with the team
• Explore, test, and implement improved data‑collection strategies, including new software and hardware solutions
• Engage with the broader cryo‑EM community by participating in regional and international meetings and workshops
• Occasionally work evenings or weekends to ensure optimal microscope usage

Where you will work

NeCEN is part of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University and is embedded in the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) located in Leiden, 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 and Inext-Discovery.

What you bring

• PhD in biology, chemistry, physics, or a related field
• Strong background in molecular biology or structural biology
• Hands‑on experience with protein purification and cryo‑EM sample preparation
• Demonstrated experience in cryo‑EM data collection and data analysis
• Familiarity with CryoSPARC and/or RELION, as well as visualization tools such as ChimeraX, PyMOL, and model‑building software (Coot, Isolde, Phenix, AlphaFold)
• Experience working in Linux environments
• Excellent communication skills and a service‑oriented mindset
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Programming skills or interest in cryo‑EM algorithms and neural networks
• Experience maintaining microscopy equipment and working in a laboratory environment
• Experience with cryo‑FIB or cryo‑CLEM
• Strong motivation to contribute to an international center for advanced cryo‑EM and cryo‑ET

What we offer

What we value

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?

• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid