Electron Microscope Tech 3-Geosciences, Project

Eastern Washington University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Cheney, WASHINGTON
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Working Title Electron Microscope Tech 3-Geosciences, Project
Posting Number 2025051CP

Position Information


Classification Code 314C
RCW Exemption Criteria
EWU Position Number C98991
FLSA Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit BU 1
% Full Time 75
Salary / Wage Range CS - 54
Salary Information
The salary for this position is $46,017 (minimum) up to $52,047. This project position is a two-year, 75% time position, 30 hours per week, directly funded by an extramural NSF grant. Where the candidate will begin within this range is dependent on qualifications, education, experience, and skills
Anticipated Start Date 01/16/2026
Term of Appointment 12 Months per year
Location Cheney Campus, WA
County Spokane
Project Description
This position is a two-year, 75% time position, 30 hours pers week, directly funded by an extramural NSF grant.
Project Duration 2 years
Background Check Yes - Both
Responsible HR User Michael Brown
Responsible HR User Email address mbrown163@ewu.edu

Position Details


Job Summary
The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) at Eastern Washington University is currently seeking applicants for an Electron Microscope Technician 3, Project to support our new electron microscopy lab.
The Electron Microscope Technician 3, Project will provide technical support related to research, educational, and outreach activities including training new users; establishing and following proper protocols in sample preparation and electron microscopy analysis; tracking inventory, instrument use, and instrument maintenance. Ensure compliance with general laboratory and safety protocols.
Perform and apply advanced, specialized electron microscopy techniques making independent examination of materials. Serve as technical consultant to faculty and investigators with diagnostic problems or research projects. Develop and apply new techniques or procedures applicable to faculty and student research. Provide technical support for and/or instruct faculty, staff, or students, or student helpers and direct the operation of an electron microscopy laboratory.
Job Summary
The Electron Microscope Technician 3, Project will:
  • Perform special procedures such as basic sample preparation, sample coating, and scanning electron microscopy
  • Provide technical consultation to faculty and investigators with diagnostic problems or research projects involving the use of the electron microscopy laboratory
  • Instruct and direct work operations; oversee the operation of training and maintenance of an electron microscope; make minor repairs and determine service needs
  • Develop and implement new procedures; conduct literature searches and adapt techniques to specific research needs
  • Maintain workload recording system; purchase and maintain laboratory equipment such as consumables, balances, and sample preparation equipment; track inventory levels and place replenishment orders
  • Instruct faculty, technicians, students or student workers in laboratory procedures.
  • Interact with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator
  • Provide operational guidance to users on day-to-day activities
  • Assist with preparation of instrument use reports
  • Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise student workers if applicable
  • Possibility of teaching as a lecturer in the candidate’s discipline


The salary for this position is $46,017 (minimum) up to $52,047. his project position is a two-year, 75% time position, 30 hours per week, directly funded by an extramural NSF grant. Where the candidate will begin within this range is dependent on qualifications, education, experience, and skills. In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays and 1 paid personal leave day per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page: https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits/insurance/ .
EWU is committed to supporting and promoting a workforce that is welcoming to all and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply for this position.
Applications are open and accepted until recruitment is closed. Screening of applications will begin immediately. A three-day notice will be provided prior to closure of the recruitment. All materials will be held in strictest confidence; references will not be contacted until candidates have been notified.
Eastern Washington University provides an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence.
About Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, each governed by its own board of trustees. As the region’s polytechnic, we are recognized for our distinctive approach to hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers. EWU’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washington’s second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the innovative, energy-efficient Catalyst building, the SIERR building which is a hub for research, development and advancement of health sciences, and at Riverpoint, a campus shared with Washington State University. In addition, EWU programs can be found at select locations throughout the state, aligned with the needs of the community. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, offering accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Eastern Washington University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed by Colleges of Distinction , a nationally trusted resource guide for college-bound students. The honor recognizes Eastern as a ’24-’25 College of Distinction (CoD).
Money magazine recently named EWU as one of its Best Colleges in America 2024 .
Tribal Land Acknowledgement
At Eastern Washington University, we are proud to recognize the land of the Spokane Tribe and other tribes that shared the land for fishing and trading. The Spokane Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe, and the Nez Perce Tribe are integral to the cultural heritage and traditional ethnological knowledge of the land.
Native American heritage is woven into the fabric of our institution, enriching our community through tribal culture, historical teachings, and tribal language, and is embraced daily by students, staff, faculty, and the Eastern Washington community.
At EWU, we are committed to reflecting on and acknowledging the historical injustices of genocide and the forced removal of tribal peoples and all our relatives. EWU recognizes and honors tribal sovereignty and government to government relationships with tribes.
From here forward, EWU will remain committed to supporting, honoring, and recognizing the Native American community and the dynamic contributions that are shared with our university.
Equal Opportunity Statement
EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.
Conditions of Employment
Regular work schedule of Monday-Friday 6 hours per day.
This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently. Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.
All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.
This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees’ Collective Bargaining Agreement: https://in.ewu.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/WFSE-EWU-CBA-Barg.-Units-1-and-2-2025-2027_2024-12-02.pdf

After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas. The Office of Employee Belonging will reach out regarding required training.
Note: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.
Physical Demands
Contact Mike Brown in Human Resources at mbrown163@ewu.edu to obtain a copy of the Essential Functions Analysis which will describe conditions of employment, such as physical demands.
Pre-Placement Physical Yes
Hearing Test Yes
Medical Monitoring Post Hire Yes
Protective Equipment
General safety glasses or chemical splash goggles Full face shield, Gloves, Lab coat, Close-toed shoes, fitted respirator, Hearing protection. University, local, regional and state mandates for public and personal protection should be followed as needed.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field which includes coursework in such areas as chemistry, biology, geology, natural sciences, or related sciences and two years of experience in an electron microscopy laboratory OR equivalent education/work experience, undergraduate/graduate research or training may apply
  • Demonstrated ability to apply a responsive and flexible approach that is supportive of the needs including universal access of our students, faculty, staff and the public.
Preferred Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in biology, chemistry, geosciences, physics, environmental science, engineering or field of study related to the research of the laboratory
  • Experience working in a research laboratory
  • Previous experience using transmission and/or scanning electron microscopy
  • Experience working within an electron microscopy-related laboratory
  • Teaching/training experience
Other Skills and Abilities
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the desire to work in a service-oriented environment
  • Strong computer and record keeping skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Flexibility and willingness to learn new technologies
  • Ability to work both independently (with minimal guidance) and as a team member
  • Ability to manage time efficiently and complete tasks on time
  • Ability to be on-time for scheduled appointments and adapt to unscheduled requests
Work Schedule Type Other
Work Schedule
75% time
Monday-Friday
6 hours per day
Posting Date 11/21/2025
Open Until Further Notice Yes
Closing Date
Screening to Begin Immediately
Special Instructions to Applicants
It is strongly recommended that you print a copy of these instructions and the position posting before you begin to complete the online application, as the instructions will not be viewable once you begin the application process.
Required documentation includes all of the items listed below.
  • Attach a detailed cover letter in which you explain how you meet each of the required qualifications [and preferred qualifications, if applicable]. It is preferred that you provide that information in a bulleted list or within a table within your cover letter.
  • Attach a chronological resume including work history and major duties, education, and any specialized training or skills related to the position. List at least 3 professional references including: names, titles, organization name, phone numbers, email addresses, and connection to you (these can be identical to the references listed on the application).
  • Complete the online application form and respond to the online questions, if applicable.
  • Mission Statement Response – EWU’s mission is to provide an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence. We are committed to serving first-generation, Pell-eligible students. How would you contribute to this mission?
  • Please do not upload resumes that include photos of yourself.
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    Application Types Accepted Application

    Job Duties


    % of Time 40
    Responsibility / Duty
    Equipment Operation and Oversight
    • Perform procedures such as basic sample preparation, sample coating, and scanning electron microscopy
    • Train new users in safe and responsible use of scanning electron microscope and related equipment in the SEB lab; new users may include faculty, technicians, and students from multiple departments across campus
    • Work with principal investigator to determine user priorities and weekly work schedule
    • Provide operational guidance to users on day-to-day activities
    • Follow and develop new operating procedures as needed
    • Provide ongoing technical support to new and current users
    • Provide technical consultation to investigators with diagnostic problems or research projects involving the use of the electron microscopy laboratory
    • Comply with all Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act and EWU safety rules
    Essential Function Indicator Yes
    % of Time 30
    Responsibility / Duty
    Lab Management
    • Oversee the operation and maintenance of an electron microscope
    • Make minor repairs and determine service needs
    • Purchase and maintain laboratory equipment such as consumables, balances, and sample preparation equipment
    • Track inventory levels and place replenishment orders
    • Enter and track inventory of chemicals in EWU’s chemical inventory system
    • Purchase and install high-pressure gas cylinders on applicable equipment
    • Track use of SEB by individuals and prepare invoices to bill SEM users
    • Assist with preparation of instrument reports
    Essential Function Indicator Yes
    % of Time 10
    Responsibility / Duty
    Equipment Upkeep
    • Perform routine checks on equipment and its components as outlined by equipment manufacturer and principal investigator
    Essential Function Indicator Yes
    % of Time 10
    Responsibility / Duty
    Liaison
    • Interact with EWU Facilities when issues arise with plumbing, drains, electrical, HVAC, door access, gas, vacuum, compressed air, fume hoods, leaks, IT and other facilities as appropriate
    • Interact with Environmental Health and Safety staff to ensure all hazardous waste is stored and labelled
    • Check weekly hazardous waste storage locations in the department
    • Obtain annual respirator certification for hazardous vapors
    • Prepare semi-annual HAPs and VOCs report for the lab
    Essential Function Indicator Yes
    % of Time 10
    Responsibility / Duty
    Other duties as required
    Essential Function Indicator Yes

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