Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

Cryo-EM Research Scientist / Single-Particle Analysis Specialist (M/F)

ALPX, Grenoble, France

Application deadline: 15 Jul 2026

ALPX is an EMBL spin-off company located in Grenoble, France. We provide innovative structural biology and small-molecule drug discovery services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, historically based on CrystalDirect™ technology and automated crystallography. Our team works in an international, collaborative, and scientifically stimulating environment, in close proximity to leading structural biology infrastructures.

Since 2025, ALPX has expanded its service portfolio to include a rapid and agile Single Particle Analysis cryo-Electron Microscopy service, covering the workflow from cryo-EM sample preparation and grid preparation to high-resolution structure determination. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced single-particle cryo-EM specialist with strong hands-on expertise in vitrification, microscope operation, data acquisition, and advanced SPA cryo-EM data processing.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing ALPX’s sample-to-solution cryo-EM service and contribute to a range of structural biology and drug discovery projects. The position requires expert use of Vitrobot/grid preparation workflows, cryo-EM microscopes, automated screening and data collection, and state-of-the-art SPA data processing pipelines.

Responsibilities will include cryo-EM sample and grid preparation, vitrification using Vitrobot or equivalent instruments, microscope operation, including grid screening and data acquisition, high-end image processing, optimisation of cryo-EM data storage, on-the-fly and offline data processing, and high-quality structure determination and interpretation.

The candidate will also work across different cryo-EM platforms, travel for data collection when required, contribute to scientific discussions around project design and interpretation, and prepare clear presentations of structural data for project teams and clients.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or a related field, with an excellent track record
• Multiple cryo-EM map/structure depositions and peer-reviewed publications
• Extensive hands-on expertise in cryo-EM sample preparation, grid preparation, and vitrification, including Vitrobot or equivalent instruments
• Strong experience with TEM operations including direct alignments, manual and automated grid screening, troubleshooting and high-quality data collection setups at Glacios and Krios microscopes
• Advanced expertise in single-particle cryo-EM data processing with RELION and CryoSPARC
• Strong expertise in cryo-EM and structural analysis software, such as CCP-EM, Chimera, Coot, CCP4, and Phenix
• Experience in high-resolution structure determination by cryo-EM, including de novo model building and structure refinement
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and manage several projects in parallel
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English
• Excellent organisational skills

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Experience in SPA cryo-EM applied to membrane proteins, challenging targets, protein complexes, and epitope mapping
• Experience in industry, CRO, or CMO environments
• Familiarity with HPC and cloud platforms
• Experience in automated/on-the-fly cryo-EM data processing workflows
• Experience in cryo-electron tomography and sub-tomogram averaging
• Scripting experience, preferably in Shell and Python

Personal attributes

• Proactive, solution-oriented, and able to take ownership of projects
• Practical and hands-on, with the flexibility to thrive in a dynamic start-up and serviceoriented environment
• Comfortable with change and able to adapt quickly to evolving priorities, workflows, and project needs
• Reliable and committed to delivering high-quality results for clients
• Collaborative, with clear communication skills and a constructive team spirit
• Comfortable managing several projects in parallel, with good judgement on priorities, timelines, and quality

Position details

The position is based in Grenoble, France and is available immediately. It will initially be offered as a one-year contract, with the possibility of renewal and progression towards a permanent position.

ALPX is committed to equal opportunity and considers all applications without discrimination.

To learn more about ALPX, please visit our LinkedIn page.

Application deadline: 15 July 2026

Please send your motivation letter, CV, and names of two referees to recruitment@alpx-services.com