Jamie Riches

Jamie Riches is an Associate Professor and Principal Research Infrastructure Specialist in Electron Microscopy at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), working within the Central Analytical Research Facility (CARF) in the Faculty of Science. With extensive experience in transmission electron microscopy, he serves as a Centre Representative and Transmission Electron Microscopist, managing core facility operations while supporting diverse research projects across materials science and biochemistry.

Dr. Riches earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from the University of Queensland. Prior to joining QUT's Institute for Future Environments, he worked at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, where he conducted research on virus structure using cryo-electron tomography and sub-tomogram averaging. His earlier career included positions at the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis at the University of Queensland, collaborating with researchers in the Institute for Molecular Biosciences and the Nanomaterials Centre.

Riches' research expertise centers on electron microscopy applications for solving diverse problems in materials science. His work provides structural, compositional, and crystallographic information on materials with atomic-scale resolution, enabling researchers to understand and optimize their materials. His research spans multiple disciplines including nanomaterials characterization, virus structure analysis, and advanced materials development. His microscopy expertise has been instrumental in elucidating structural features of viruses including HIV, Marburg virus, and Ebola virus, as well as characterizing nanomaterials such as quantum dots, mesoporous films, and nanocomposite membranes.

His extensive publication record demonstrates significant contributions to fields including materials characterization, virus structure, and nanotechnology. Recent work focuses on applying electron microscopy to energy conversion materials, environmental applications, and biological systems. He has developed expertise in cryo-electron tomography, sub-tomogram averaging, and advanced sample preparation techniques that enable high-resolution imaging of complex biological and materials systems.

• Member of Australian Society for Electron Microscopy (since 1996)
• Extensive collaborations across multiple disciplines
• Key contributor to global guidelines for imaging scientists' career paths
• Active participant in advancing microscopy techniques and applications

As a core facility manager, Riches provides essential infrastructure and expertise to support QUT's research mission. His technical expertise and collaborative spirit have made significant contributions to numerous research projects across multiple disciplines, establishing him as a vital resource for the university's research community.