Position Description

Supported by the Department of Energy Office of Biological and Environmental Research, this position will help develop a “Biopreparedness Research Virtual Environment” (BRaVE) platform to address current and emerging biothreats with an initial focus on the biomolecular characterization of a fungal disease targeting a bioenergy crop. The selected candidate will work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team to perform biomolecular characterization of plant-pathogen interactions through the utilization of integrated cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, and bioimaging tools to investigate the pathogenic processes and the dynamics of infection, replication, release, and systemic transmission.  The integrated research will pave the way for early detection, characterization, and mitigation of emerging pathogens, creating a secure society and bioeconomy

This project will utilize the state-of-the-art BNL facilities NSLS-II on X-ray imaging and X-ray crystallography, CFN (Center for Functional Nanomaterials) and Biology Department on confocal light microscopy and live-cell imaging, LBMS on single-particle cryo-electron microscopy and cryoelectron tomography. NSLS-II is a world-leading synchrotron facility that produces high-flux, and low-emittance X-rays for solving a wide range of biological problems via diffraction, scattering, and imaging capabilities. CFN explores the unique properties of materials and processes at the nanoscale supported by the operation of high-end instruments from material fabrication and characterization to theory and computation. LBMS provides structure and imaging capabilities for studying biological structures and processes from near-atomic to nanometer resolutions. In addition, LBMS has an Aquilos 2 cryogenic focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) for cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) sample preparation and a high-pressure freezer for processing tissues and thick biological samples. The integrated BNL infrastructure will be an ideal environment for the project. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multi-cultural scientific community.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare samples for downstream characterization.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Document experimental details and disseminate results through reports and publications.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in biophysics, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, cell biology, plant biology, pathology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, virology, or a related field
• Proven abilities for dissemination of research through publication in peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in protein production from bacteria, insect, yeast, or mammalian cells
• Experience in gene expression in plant leaves or protoplasts
• Experience in protein crystallography
• Experience in cryo-electron microscopy (single particle or tomography).
• Experience in the use of a cryo-FIB for milling biological samples.
• Experience in characterizing cells and tissues using live-cell imaging, X-ray tomography or X-ray fluorescence imaging.
• Experience in the identification and characterization of protein-protein interactions using fluorescence, affinity purification, and Kd measurements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically.
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team player.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $70200 - $90825 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Initial 2-year appointment subject to annual renewal contingent on performance and funding. Candidates should submit a CV, a brief description of their research interests (less than 200 words) in a cover letter and contact information for three references.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a postdoc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.