Job Details

Electron Microscope Tech 3-Geosciences, Project

Position Number: 6743737
Location: Cheney, WA
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Electron Microscope Tech 3-Geosciences, Project

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 regions polytechnic, we are recognized for our distinctive approach to hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers. EWUs 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washingtons 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 bachelors and masters 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 dAlene 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.

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 candidates discipline

The salary for this position is $30,678 (minimum) up to $34,698. This project position is a two-year and 8 months, half-time position, 20 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 December 5, 2025. 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.

Eastern5Washington University provides an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors 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

Job Duties:
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

Percent of Time: 40

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 EWUs 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

Percent of Time: 30

Equipment Upkeep

Perform routine checks on equipment and its components as outlined by equipment manufacturer and principal investigator

Percent of Time: 10

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

Percent of Time: 10

Other duties as requiredPercent of Time: 10
Conditions of Employment:

Regular work schedule of Monday-Friday 4 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. Workplace Belonging training will be available on December 1st and should be completed by March 31st, 2026.

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.

Salary Information:

Posting Date: 11/21/2025
Open Until Further Notice: Yes
Closing Date:
Screening to Begin: 12/05/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Submit your application materials through our online applications portal provided below. If you are unable to submit through the applicant portal, please contact Human Resources Services at (509) 359-2381.

To apply, visit https://jobs.hr.ewu.edu/postings/14203