Research Foundation Advanced Microscopy Scientist (Research Scientist)

Job description

Location: Syracuse, NY Category: Research Foundation Posted On: Thu Jul 31 2025 Job Description:
Title: Research Scientist

Descriptive Title: Advanced Microscopy Scientist

Unit: Analytical and Technical Services

Location: Syracuse, NY

Salary: Full-time, $55,000 - $70,000, DOQ annual depending on qualifications

The Analytical and Technical Services (A&TS) unit is responsible for administering the Microscopy Facility (Facility) located at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF).

The Facility includes a JEOL JEM-2100F Field Emission Transmission Electron Microscope (FE-TEM), a JEOL JSM-IT100 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and related sample preparation equipment and lab areas.

The facility is used for both research and instruction.

The Research Scientist will manage, operate, maintain and supervise use of A&TS Microscopy Facility.

The Scientist will collaborate with ESF's faculty and graduate students, our Partner Institutions, and other external academic researchers.

In addition, the Research Scientist will have opportunities to develop or support training and instruction offered through micro-credentialing, minors and summer courses.



Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:


+ Operate microscopes, develop methods, and implement effective sample preparation methods.

+ Manage a sophisticated preventive maintenance program.

Calibrate, maintain, and repair sophisticated and complex instrumentation.

+ Specify and order supplies and consumables required to support instruction and research in the Facility.

+ Manage, interpret, and evaluate complex data, provide written reports, generate and analyze data using scientific and statistical techniques.

+ Maintain a clean, organized working environment.

Perform housekeeping duties as required.

Perform all work activities in a safe and timely manner.

Proactively identify safety related items and initiate appropriate actions.

Participate in safety audits and safety meetings.

+ Assist in the development of proposals to fund new equipment and support research projects.

+ Create a supportive, customer-focused atmosphere.

Maintain a collaborative working relationship with ESF staff, faculty, and students.

+ Maintain detailed records of facility expenses (i.e., supplies and materials), instrument usage by project, and monthly billing reports to support the A&TS recharge system.

+ Provide support to instructors of ESF courses that use the microscopy facility including, but not limited to, MCR484/684, MCR 683/783, MCR 485/685, and MCR 570.

+ Perform other duties as directed by the A&TS Director.




Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:


+ Graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in physics, materials science, biology, chemistry, chemical engineering or related field of study plus a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience with TEM and SEM software, applications, systems or programs

+ Knowledge and ability to apply theory, concepts, principles associated with SEM and FE-TEM.

+ Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in operation and maintenance of a sophisticated microscopy laboratory.

+ Familiarity with digital image acquisition and analysis.


Preferred Qualifications:


+ Excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced by authorship of publications, manuals, reports, grant proposals, conference presentations or seminar leadership

+ College-level teaching experience in microscopy-centric courses.

+ Active membership in Microscopy Society of America (MSA) or a related professional society.

+ Demonstrated organizational skills and technical problem-solving skills.

The individual must be able to organize electronic data, information and images as well as laboratory equipment (microscopes, sample preparation, etc.).


Personal Attributes:


+ Must be self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working with limited supervision in an academic research laboratory environment.

+ Have mechanical aptitude and ability to learn to assemble, operate, and troubleshoot sophisticated analytical laboratory equipment and software.

+ Work effectively with others and demonstrate a positive teamwork approach.

+ Perform manual labor tasks required for daily lab operations.

Able to safely lift and manipulate up to 50 pounds, move gas cylinders or dewars, and use hand or power tools.

+ Able to read and apply the information presented in professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.

+ Able to effectively organize their time, and that of others, to accommodate user needs and be responsive to the user base in both a timely and equitable manner.




Additional Information:
Analytical and Technical Services Unit

The mission of Analytical and Technical Services (A&TS) is to provide specialized, customer-focused, value-added support services that support the College's instruction, research and public service agenda.

Services include instrumental analyses, scientific equipment and instrument repair service, and chemical/laboratory apparatus stockroom services.

Research analytical labs are available for College research projects and instruction, as well as external academic and industrial customers, including nearby research teams at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse University, and Cornell University.

Additional information is available at https://www.esf.edu/ats/.

SUNY ESF and the Broader Community

ESF is a specialized college within the 64-campus SUNY system, and a Carnegie R2 High Research Activity Institution that consistently earns high rankings in US News and World Report, Forbes, Princeton Review, and other national college guidebooks.

With a total enrollment of about 2,200 undergraduates and 400 graduate students, combined with the immediate proximity of Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University, ESF provides an intimate, small-college atmosphere within a vibrant, large-university setting.

ESF's extended campuses include more than 25,000 acres of forest properties, both close to Syracuse and across the Adirondack Park, which provide numerous opportunities for experiential coursework, research, and public outreach.



Located on the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes region, Syracuse is a small city in a rural region offering a diversity of natural and cultural amenities, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life - ranking among the top 10 percent of Best Places to Live in The Places Rated Almanac.

Syracuse is situated with easy access to New York City, the Adirondack Park, Lake Ontario, and many other points of interest in the eastern United States and Canada.



In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act institutions of higher education are required to prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and campus statistics.

This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by SUNY-ESF; and on property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters.

You can obtain a printed copy of this report by contacting SUNY-ESF University Police at 315-470-6667 or by accessing the following web site: https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php

SUNY ESF is a Smoke and Tobacco Free campus and is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire campus.

For more information you can visit our Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy at https://www.esf.edu/employees/policies/policy-smoking.php

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York.

Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.

Required Skill Profession

Other General