McGill.CA / Facility for Electron Microscopy Research / User Access

Training

 

Instrument Training and Operation

Training is a core component of FEMR’s mission. Our goal is to equip researchers with the knowledge and confidence needed to prepare samples, operate advanced electron microscopes, and generate high‑quality data across a wide range of scientific applications. Whether you are new to electron microscopy or seeking advanced specialization, FEMR provides structured, hands‑on training tailored to your research needs.

 

Training Structure

Workshops and Specialized EM Courses

FEMR regularly hosts workshops that bring together experts, trainees, and research groups to explore both foundational and cutting‑edge electron microscopy techniques. These events cover topics such as sample preparation, cryo‑EM workflows, tomography, and advanced analytical STEM.

Upcoming workshops are listed in the Resources section.

In addition, specialized EM courses are offered through McGill’s undergraduate and graduate programs in the Faculties of Medicine, Science, and Engineering. These courses provide formal academic training in microscopy theory and practice. Course calendars and registration details are available on the McGill website.

Instrument and Equipment Training

FEMR provides structured, hands‑on training for all major instruments and sample‑preparation equipment.

  • Introductory Training Offered free of charge on Tuesday mornings each month. These sessions introduce basic concepts, instrument safety, and essential operational skills. Dates and times are listed in Table 1 and on the Training Request Form.

  • Advanced One‑on‑One Training Required for independent instrument operation. These personalized sessions focus on mastering instrument alignment, imaging modes, data acquisition, and troubleshooting. Multiple sessions are often necessary to achieve full authorization.

  • Practical Skill Development Training emphasizes real‑world operation—loading samples, optimizing imaging conditions, and acquiring publication‑quality data.

 

Responsible Instrument Use

More than 250 researchers rely on FEMR’s shared instrumentation. Improper or negligent use can disrupt experiments, damage equipment, and reduce availability for others. To maintain a safe and productive environment:

  • Training sessions follow standardized procedures to ensure consistent, high‑quality instruction.

  • Users are expected to follow all posted guidelines and staff instructions.

  • Detailed protocols for instrument operation and sample preparation are available on the Protocols page.

  • Failure to follow training or operational guidelines may result in restricted access.

By adhering to these practices, users help preserve the performance, longevity, and availability of FEMR’s critical research infrastructure.

Training Requests and Scheduling

To participate in a training session, users must complete and submit the Training Request Form. The form allows you to:

  • Select the instrument or technique you wish to learn

  • Choose your preferred training month

  • Provide details about your project and experience level

Once submitted, FEMR staff will contact you to confirm your session and provide any necessary preparation instructions.

Table 1 - Schedule of General Training Sessions Offered Each Month
Week Instrument Instructor Building/Room
1 Tecnai G2 Spirit TEM - operation, sample loading, etc. Jeannie Mui or S Kelly Sears Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building, Room B/29
1 FEI Quanta 450 FE-ESEM and Leica EM ACE600 Sputter Coater David Liu or Angel Valdez W.H. Wong Building, Room 0360; Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building, Room B/25
2 Thermo Scientific Glacios 2 Cryo-TEM Kaustuv Basu or Corbin Black

Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building, Room B/31
2 Thermo Scientific Talos 200 kV TEM for Materials Science David Liu or Angel Valdez Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building, Room B/30
3 Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio PFIB-SEM Weawkamol Leelapornpisit Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building, Room B/27
3 FEI Vitrobot Mk IV Kaustuv Basu or Corbin Black

Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building, Room 1/14
4 Leica EM GP2 Kaustuv Basu or Corbin Black Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building, Room 1/14

 

User Levels

FEMR assigns user levels to ensure that all researchers operate instruments safely, responsibly, and in accordance with established procedures.

  • Level 1 – Independent Users Fully trained operators authorized to use designated instruments without supervision.

  • Levels 2 & 3 – Supervised Users Users who may operate instruments only when FEMR staff are present (Level 2) or directly supervising (Level 3).

 

Adherence to Standardized Protocols

All users—regardless of level—must follow FEMR’s standardized operating protocols when using microscopes and related equipment. Operating outside these procedures without prior consultation with FEMR staff is strictly prohibited. These protocols are designed to protect both users and instruments, and to ensure consistent, high‑quality data collection.

 

Microscope Alignment Policy

FEMR staff regularly perform and document microscope alignments as part of the facility’s standard operating procedures. To maintain instrument stability and data quality:

  • Users are not permitted to adjust alignments independently.

  • Any unauthorized or incorrect alignment changes that require staff intervention will result in realignment charges billed to the user’s account or research group.

This policy helps preserve instrument performance and minimizes downtime for the broader research community.

 

User Level

Description
Level 1

A Level 1 user is a fully trained, independently authorized operator who has demonstrated the proficiency, responsibility, and experience required to use FEMR instruments without direct supervision. Level 1 users are granted unrestricted access to the specific instruments and equipment for which they have been certified.

To qualify for Level 1 status, a user must show:

  • A minimum of 35 hours of instrument use within the previous six months

  • Consistent, competent operation during training and supervised sessions

  • Adherence to all FEMR policies, safety requirements, and operational guidelines

This level of access reflects both technical skill and a strong commitment to responsible instrument use.

Maintaining Level 1 Access

To retain Level 1 authorization, users must remain active and maintain their operational proficiency. This requires completing either of the following:

  • At least 5 hours of instrument use per month, or

  • A minimum of 35 hours of use over the previous six months

Regular engagement ensures that users stay familiar with instrument workflows, software updates, and any changes to FEMR procedures. Users who fall below these thresholds may be asked to complete refresher training before independent access is reinstated.
Level 2

A Level 2 user is an independently capable operator who may use FEMR instruments without direct supervision, provided that FEMR staff are on site and available to assist if needed. This level of access is intended for users who are competent and reliable, but who may still require occasional guidance or oversight.

Under normal circumstances, Level 2 access corresponds to weekday hours between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., when staff are present in the facility. Access outside these hours may be granted only with prior approval and is evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.

Level 2 status ensures that users can work efficiently while maintaining a safe operating environment and preserving the integrity of FEMR’s shared research infrastructure.
Level 3

A Level 3 user is a trainee who has completed both general training and advanced one‑on‑one instruction and is now ready to begin operating instruments under direct staff supervision. At this stage, users may book instruments and equipment, but all sessions must be coordinated with FEMR staff, who will remain present to guide and oversee the work.

This supervised practice period allows users to:

  • Gain confidence with instrument workflows

  • Strengthen their technical skills through hands‑on experience

  • Receive real‑time feedback and correction

  • Demonstrate safe and responsible operation

Most users require two to three supervised sessions at this level before progressing to greater independence. Advancement is based on demonstrated proficiency, adherence to protocols, and staff evaluation.
 

Training and Access for Specialized Instruments

The FEI Titan Krios Cryo‑STEM and the Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Cryo PFIB‑SEM are among FEMR’s most advanced and resource‑intensive instruments. Because of their complexity, operational cost, and the high level of expertise required, these systems are operated exclusively by dedicated FEMR staff.

While formal user training on these instruments is generally not offered, trainees are strongly encouraged to observe and participate in experiments alongside staff. This hands‑on exposure helps users understand instrument capabilities, workflow requirements, and best practices for preparing high‑quality samples suitable for high‑end data collection.

Developing Advanced Skills

Researchers who wish to deepen their understanding of these instruments—or who aspire to eventually perform limited tasks independently—should communicate their goals during the Assessment Interview. This allows FEMR staff to:

  • Tailor training sessions to the user’s level of experience

  • Provide opportunities for supervised practice

  • Identify areas where additional preparation or coursework may be beneficial

Learning to operate the Titan Krios, in particular, is a long‑term, multi‑session process. Users typically progress through repeated observation, guided practice, and incremental responsibility before being considered for partial authorization.

Refresher Training

Researchers who do not use FEMR instruments regularly may require refresher training to maintain proficiency and stay current with updated procedures. Refresher sessions:

  • Reinforce safe and effective instrument operation

  • Ensure users remain familiar with current workflows

  • Help prevent errors that could damage equipment or disrupt other users

Refresher training is provided at no additional technical fee, reflecting FEMR’s commitment to maintaining a skilled and confident user community.

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