Cryo-Electron Microscopy

User Fees

Currently, users are charged at a rate of $30 per hour for use of the T12 and Tecnai F20 microscopes. In addition, a $1 charge applies for each micrograph taken.

Charges apply up to a maximum amount that is determined individually for each project, based on the anticipated use of the instrumentation. This cap does not include any charges for micrographs.

Usage for each project is monitored, and PIs are provided with a quarterly summary statement of their actual and projected costs for budgeting purposes.

Initial training of new users and cryoEM training for advanced users are free of charge PROVIDED that use of the facility continues after training is completed. If use of the facility is discontinued after initial training, PIs will be charged at the current rate for each hour of training that was provided.

Penalties T12

A $100 penalty will be charged if a user repeatedly fails to use time-slots that he/she reserved.
A $200 penalty will be charged if a user fails to use an "end-of-day" time-slot that he/she reserved and if as a consequence the microscope is not shut down properly.

Penalties F20

A $200 penalty will be charged if a user fails to use a reserved time slot (for reasons other than environmental problems in the facility or personal emergencies), unless the reservation was cancelled at least 24 hours in advance.

Budgeting Guidelines

Minor users: typically, minor users will use the facility for (1) quality control of samples prepared for biochemical studies, (2) analysis of negatively stained samples, and/or (3) investigation of global changes to sample structure. These applications typically require an average of 1-2 hours of beamtime per week or ~$1,500-3000 per year.

Major users: major users are usually engaged in collecting data from frozen samples. Typically such applications require several hours per week on the T12 during sample optimization periods, and one 8-hour slot per week/per project, during the data collection phase. Estimated costs are ~$10,000 per year per project.