New Users

Starting a New Project 

We require that all new users and their principal investigators familiarize themselves with our policies and submit a user agreement prior to starting a new project. (Forms Page)

We recognize that cryo-EM projects require a monetary and time commitment that can quickly accumulate, and we therefore carefully consider your proposed project and discuss possible outcomes and cost before proceeding. The outcome of a given project depends on how the quality of your sample aligns with the goals of your proposed project. This upfront preparation and collaboration helps to maintain attainable goals and minimize the project cost to you. It is important to note that just like all research projects, cryo-EM projects require a fair bit of experimentation because every sample behaves differently. Nearly all projects require multiple iterations of sample preparation, grid preparation, and grid screening before the samples are considered appropriate for data collection. 

 

Sample Preparation 

All users are required to prepare their own samples for accepted projects and make sample preparation modifications based on our staff’s recommendations. Cryo-EM requires much more stringent quality control than you may require for your other experiments. This requirement is for your benefit as low-quality samples accrue greater monetary and time investments.  

 

Sample Processing  

While we do offer the option to have our staff independently process your samples, we highly encourage all users to receive training in grid preparation, grid clipping, grid screening, and data collection. Your involvement in the process promotes your understanding of the data and makes it easier for you to process your data. We have assisted and non-assisted rates for all equipment and instruments. (Billing Rates)  

 

Training and Non-Assisted Facility Use 

All users must be trained by our staff and demonstrate care and proficiency with our equipment and protocols prior to being authorized for non-assisted use. Authorization of non-assisted use at other cryo-EM facilities is non-transferable to our facility. Authorized independent users can have their authorization revoked if repeated issues arise with their handling of equipment or conduct with facility staff. Staff can require re-training at any time. 

Facility protocols are available here.  Please review the appropriate protocol prior to your training date. Additional resources for each technique are available here. 

 

Data Processing 

Data processing requires more computational resources than a standard laptop or desktop offers. We have two data processing workstations that are available for users to process their data. These are shared machines, and unrestricted access to them is not guaranteed. If you anticipate pursuing multiple cryo-EM projects, we highly recommend that your lab purchases your own workstation. (link to data analysis workstations page)  

We have compiled a number of resources to get you started in data processing here. 

If you run into issues during data processing, please reach out to facility staff for troubleshooting assistance or drop in on our office hours. Contact Us