RESEARCH TECHNICIAN IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCANNING ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY
ONE POSITION IS AVAILABLE
Position Title: Technician (Técnico Titular A).
Employment Status: Full-Time, 12 months. The appointment is renewable depending
upon performance and funding. After three years, candidates can apply for tenure.
General Description: The selected candidate will provide scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) support, particularly environmental (low-vacuum) SEM, to a team of researchers
working on biomimicry, crop protection and nanotechnology. The successful candidate will
join Biomimic, a transdisciplinary group of specialists in genomics, bioinformatics, organic
chemistry, biorational crop pest control, and agro-nanotechnology.
Experience working on the preparation, manipulation, mounting, and imaging of
specimens, preferentially those of biological origin, is required, as is a clear ability to
interpret the results of SEM studies, preferably an environmental, 3D low vacuum SEM.
The successful candidate will undergo training in advanced SEM techniques, using an
environmental, 3D low vacuum SEM. Most or all training and reference literature will be
given in English. These studies require a meticulous and painstaking approach to sample
preparation and analysis.
Responsibilities:
Help generate research at the cutting edge of knowledge.
The selected candidate will provide environmental SEM support to a team of
researchers working on biomimicry, crop protection and nanotechnology.
Preparation, manipulation, mounting, and imaging of specimens and interpretation of
the results of environmental SEM studies.
Innovation or improvement in techniques related to the collection, processing and
presentation of results.
Design of experimental systems and equipment to meet the needs of specific research
problems.
The development of operational guidelines for the maintenance, operation and
calibration of the environmental SEM.
Writing of technical reports describing methods, procedures and results of studies
performed.
Maintain the laboratory equipment in optimal working condition and compete for
national and international funding to update and extend the range of equipment as
necessary.
Assist in training Master's and Doctorate students at INECOL, CIMAV, CIQA, CICY,
LANGEBIO and CINVESTAV Irapuato.
Provide technical support for the development of graduate student projects.
Supervise undergraduate student projects.
Collaboration in the technical aspects of publications in high quality scientific journals
and popular magazines intended for the general public.
Help write patents.
Help recruit talents for science and technology among primary, secondary and high
school students.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biological sciences or a related discipline would be
useful in order to understand the nature of the samples being analyzed.
Experience in the preparation, handling and imaging of SEM samples is necessary as
is experience of standard techniques in microscopy and SEM, preferentially in the
area of biology.
A clear understanding of written and spoken English is essential.
A practical, proactive approach to problem solving and a willingness to explore
alternative methods in SEM research would be highly desirable, as would a precise
and conscientious attitude to sample preparation and analysis.
Reading and writing in English, is required.
Solid knowledge of statistics applied to biology.
Experience living and working in Latin America is desirable but not essential.
Excellent interpersonal and multitasking skills, ability to negotiate, to deal with
pressure, complex situations and stress.
Ability to work with the private sector as well as government agencies.
Skills in constructing and working in multidisciplinary teams, especially in providing
technical services related to the production and handling of environmental scanning
electron microscopy as part of multidisciplinary projects.
Work outside of regular business hours, including weekends and travel is occasionally
required.
A spirit of collaboration/team working and service to society.
A driving license.
Interested candidates from Mexico and elsewhere in the entire world should send their
updated Curriculum Vitae and additional support material of particular value for members
of the Search Committee (e.g., citation record, relevant awards, narrative of particular
achievements or contributions to science) to Dr. Guillermo Angeles, Secretario Académico
at secretaria.academica@inecol.edu.mx always cc’ing maluja.dirgral@inecol.edu.mx.
Three letters of recommendation are needed as well as the e-mail addresses and
telephones of three established scientists/professors that have agreed to be interviewed
on the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. An additional letter by the candidate
expressing interest in the job, explaining how exactly her/his training/experience fits the job
description, and expressing her/his willingness to strictly adhere to the principles of
collaboration, team working, networking and scientific integrity is also needed. Any
questions should be addressed to Dr. Guillermo Angeles.