Researchers in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory seek to unravel and fully describe the complexities of biological systems—from how plants make oils and aromatics to the role of proteins in disease. Our work helps to develop and makes use of the tools and techniques of biochemistry, molecular genetics, and structural biology. We also leverage the unique capabilities of Brookhaven’s National Synchrotron Light Source-II and Center for Functional Nanomaterials, major research facilities open to scientists from around the world.

The Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory has an opening for a Biological Associate. In this role, you will need to have a strong commitment to excellence in research coordination and laboratory management. You will work closely with the Principal Investigator and/or other research staff to advance the research projects on plant cell wall biology and phenolics biosynthesis. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Generating and maintaining transgenic plants and/or cell lines; inventorying and maintaining other biological materials

• Maintaining laboratory equipment performance by establishing operations, quality, and troubleshooting procedures; ensuring staff compliance; certifying instrument performance; arranging equipment replacement, service, and repair

• Maintaining the operational excellence of research lab with supply ordering and tracking as well as anticipating needed supplies

• Executing the daily operational activities of a scientific laboratory including safety protocols, use of equipment, preparation of work area, and general instrument maintenance and calibration

• Working effectively as a team member to conduct experiments and to provide effective solutions to support quality research activities

• Implementing varied lab protocols in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, cell biology, and related areas; establishing and improving procedures and processes by addressing issues and risks; implementing new programs, tests, methods, instrumentation, and procedures

• Data collection, data quality control, electronically storing data, basic summary analysis and reporting

• Communicating research results with the PI and team members, and/or the collaborators

• Contributing to presenting and publishing the research results

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A Bachelor’s degree in plant biology or relevant field.

• A minimum of 3 years full time progressively responsible biological laboratory research experience with proven hands-on extensive experience in conducting biochemistry, molecular biology or biotechnology research in plants.

• Experience in diverse molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, including DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion and ligation, protein expression and purification.

• Experience in operating analytical instruments such as HPLC, LC-MS and/or GC-MS and performing data analyses.

• Experience with plant cell wall study.

• Experience in the study of lignin biosynthesis and assembly and in phenolic analysis.

• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines as required.

• Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic and self-motivation.

• Clear and concise oral and written communication and organizational skills; demonstrated laboratory coordination.

• Planning and executing experiments/schedules effectively.

• Ability to track performance and report activities as required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Graduate Degree in plant biology or relevant field is strongly desired.

• Experience in advanced molecular cloning and synthetic biology approaches.

• Skill in woody or grass plant transformation.

• Skill in use of epifluorescence-, light-, stereo dissection-, and confocal- microscopes and the related sample/specimen preparation.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Domestic travel may be required.

• Candidates should submit a CV, a brief description of research experience, and contact information for three references.

• This position is fully onsite at Upton, NY.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $78700 - $89267 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.