Plunge Freezer - AWARD

Overview

The University of Warwick has a requirement to purchase a semi-automated plunge-freezing device for reproducible preparation of samples for cryo-TEM. The Advanced Bioimaging RTP helps researchers answer their scientific questions using state-of-the art 3D electron microscopy and light microscopy imaging equipment. Our strategy is to offer this advanced bioimaging capability and the expertise to deliver high impact results to researchers both at Warwick and beyond. The Advanced Bioimaging RTP provides the training and expertise required to operate the equipment as well as providing a service to users. Due to successful funding from BBSRC, Alert14 and more recently the founding of the Midlands Regional CryoEM Consortium (established 2017 through £4.9M funding from MRC and partner universities Warwick, Leicester, Birmingham and Nottingham), we have one high-end microscope (Jeol 2200 FEG-TEM with internal energy filter) and a state-of-the-art camera (Gatan K2 Summit Direct electron detector), a Jeol 2100plus cryo-transmission electron microscope suitable for cellular specimens, sample characterisation and user training, and access to a FEI Titan Krios transmission electron microscope for state-of-the-art high resolution structure determination work. To support characterisation of challenging samples for structural biology using cryo-electron microscopy we seek a plunge-freezing instrument that will enable us to vitrify samples for cryo-TEM. The Advanced Bioimaging RTP is service-oriented, and has users from multiple disciplines (Life sciences, chemistry, physics and engineering), therefore ease of use and reliable performance are essential. In order to express interest in this opportunity please go to the University of Warwick In-Tend supplier portal (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofwarwick). The University of Warwick is not a contracting authority for the purposes of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (as amended) and its procurement activities are not subject to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or the obligations under the European Public Procurement Directives, including the European Remedies Directive. Advertisement of any contract in the Official Journal of the European Union or Contracts Finder is at the sole discretion of the University and is undertaken on a voluntary basis with no implied obligation to comply with the procurement legislation.