Cryo-Electron Microscopy (CryoEM) Specialist (Research Associate)
Location: Belmont University, Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine (Nashville, TN)
Position Type: Full-time (NIH grant–funded; renewable)
Start Date: Spring 2026
Application Review: Rolling until filled
Position Overview
The Davis Lab at Belmont University seeks a Cryo-Electron Microscopy (CryoEM) Specialist / Training Scientist to support training and workforce development activities through an NIH-funded Belmont–SBGrid/Harvard
Medical College collaboration. This position is intended for an early-career structural biologist with hands-on cryoEM experience who is enthusiastic about teaching, mentoring, and contributing to research-integrated training programs.
The CryoEM Specialist will lead the development of tutorials and workshops while also engaging in scholarly and collaborative research activities aligned with Belmont’s structural biology programs.
The role balances education, research, and community-oriented training, making it ideal for candidates interested in non-traditional academic career paths that remain scientifically active.
Key Responsibilities
Training & Education
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Develop, update, and maintain hands-on cryoEM and structural biology tutorials, including sample preparation concepts, data collection strategies, image processing, model building, and validation
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Design and deliver in-person and virtual workshops in cryoEM and related structural biology methods
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Provide technical guidance and mentorship to trainees (students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty) participating in NIH-funded programs
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Create and curate training materials (protocols, example datasets, slide decks, and documentation)
Research & Scholarly Activities
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Participate in collaborative structural biology research projects with Belmont faculty and external partners (Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University)
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Apply cryoEM and computational structural biology methods to ongoing research efforts
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Contribute to manuscripts, abstracts, and conference presentations arising from collaborative work
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Support pilot projects that integrate training objectives with active research questions
Programmatic & Collaborative Activities
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Coordinate with faculty and external partners to ensure training content reflects current best practices in cryoEM and structural biology
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Assist with evaluation of training outcomes and continuous improvement of program activities
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Foster an inclusive and collaborative training environment that supports participants from diverse scientific backgrounds
Required Qualifications
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PhD in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related discipline
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At least 1 year of hands-on cryoEM experience (academic, core facility, or industry)
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Familiarity with cryoEM workflows, including sample preparation, single-particle analysis concepts, and image processing pipelines
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Demonstrated interest in scientific training, education, or mentoring
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience developing tutorials, protocols, or educational materials
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Familiarity with common cryoEM and structural biology software ecosystems
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Experience working in shared instrumentation, core facility, or training environments
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Interest in workforce development and broadening participation in structural biology
About the Program
This position is part of an NIH-funded initiative focused on training the next generation of structural biologists through hands-on cryoEM education, national collaborations, and open training
resources. The program emphasizes reproducible workflows, integration of research and training, and community-oriented scientific education.
Application Instructions
Send cover letter, CV and list of references to: jamaine.davis@belmont.edu
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Jamaine Davis, PhD
Assistant Dean for
Scholarly Productivity & Innovation | Office of Academic Affairs
1900 Belmont Boulevard | Nashville, TN 37212