As the CoRE operates on a fee-for-service basis, all users must first register for an iLab account and have PI authorization before using services. Billing is initiated upon service request and invoiced after the session or on monthly basis.

New User Onboarding Steps:

1. Create an iLab account
• Ensure that you have access to the correct lab and funding sources to charge
• Departmental administrators and PIs can approve requests to join a lab and grant you access to funding sources
2. Complete the consultation request via iLab (Initial consultation is applicable for new users)
3. Upon receiving the request, we will reach out to either set up an on-site or remote visit
4. Once the samples are ready, sample preparation and imaging scheduling can be done via iLab.

The main equipment needed for the Cryo-EM CoRE are the Glacios 2 CryoTEM and the Vitrobot Mark IV.

• Glacios 2 CryoTEM - Equipped with Ceta-M and Falcon 4i cameras, an X-FEG electron source, and a 12-slot autoloader. Maintained and validated periodically by CoRE staff.
• Vitrobot Mark IV: Temperature and humidity-controlled vitrification system for sample preparation.

We offer Vitrobot training and certification for new users. The certification covers handling and preparing samples. Currently, Glacios 2 Cryo-TEM microscope operation and maintenance are performed only by CoRE Scientists.

The CoRE has a dedicated computational system installed with advanced image processing software and provides on-the-fly data processing using CryoSPARC. The four CoRE GPU workstations will help in analyzing and interpreting the initial data generated from the microscope.

• We use iLab for instrument scheduling, ordering consumables, and billing.
• Standard operation hours are Monday - Friday (10:00 AM - 5:30 PM). No access is provided outside working hours
• Certified trained users will book the sample preparation equipment at a reduced cost (new policy on how the user is trained and certified will be implemented soon).
• Before booking equipment, CoRE recommends that all new Cryo-EM users schedule a project consultation via email or the iLab booking system.
• Cryo-EM users must reserve the Vitrobot Mark IV at least 24 hours in advance via the iLabs booking system.
• We can provide preliminary on-the-fly 2D data processing using CryoSPARC for academic users during their Glacios 2 Cryo-TEM reservation.
• We utilize Minerva to transfer screening images, raw data, project files to users anywhere over the internet (internal users within Mount Sinai).
• In the event of an instrument/software malfunction, users will not be charged for the time during which the microscope/software was not functional. Affected users will also be given the opportunity to reserve a new microscope session for the next available time slot.

• External academic Cryo-EM users are welcome to use our instrumentation.
• We offer policies similar to internal users, and we encourage all external users to visit the facility and be present, if possible, during screening session.
• We encourage users to bring their external HDDs or use the GLOBUS system to transfer screening images, raw data, project files to users anywhere over the internet

• Industry users are welcome to use our EM facility (BSL 1 samples only)
• Industry users are welcome to observe all steps of the Cryo-EM process (grid freezing, screening, and data collection) in-person or remotely.
• We would be happy to work with your legal department(s) on necessary contracts and agreements.
• Pricing is project-based and will be discussed during the contract development.

All users of our CryoEM CoRE facility are advised to acknowledge the support of the S10 awards in publications with acknowledgement as follows:

“This work utilized the Glacios 2 Cryo-TEM located at the Cryo-EM CoRE facility of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which was acquired with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under grant number 1S10OD036213-01.