Biology Associate III-(1 year term Appointment)

Brookhaven National Laboratory•Upton, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Researchers in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory seek to unravel and fully describe the complexities of biological systems-molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying biomolecular metal uptake, transport, and homeostasis, and translate these insights into protein engineering strategies for selective metal binding, enrichment, and recovery. The work helps to develop and makes use of the tools and techniques of biochemistry, molecular genetics, and structural biology to understand biomolecular challenges. We also leverage the unique capabilities of Brookhaven’s National Synchrotron Light Source-II and Laboratory for Biomolecular Structure, and other 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 increasing basic understanding and engineering of microbes and plants for metal sequestration, utilization, and biocatalysis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in plant biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of progressively responsible related work experience, including biological laboratory research and demonstrated hands-on experience conducting biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology research involving plants or microbes.
Experience in diverse molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, including DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion and ligation, protein expression and purification using both eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression systems
Experience in structure determination of metal transporters and metal-binding proteins
Experience in operating analytical instruments such as FPLC and performing data analyses
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

Nice To Haves

A PhD’s degree in plant biology, biochemistry, or relevant field strongly preferred.
Experience in advanced molecular cloning and synthetic biology approaches
Skill in transient gene expression in tobacco
Experience with membrane protein purification is highly desirable.
Experience in maintaining HEK293 cell growth and conducting cell-based assays.

Responsibilities

Demonstrated proficiency in protein expression and purification using both eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression systems.
Perform comprehensive biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins, including enzyme activity assays and protein-ligand binding/affinity measurements.
Collaborate closely with AI and computational teams to design, engineer, and screen protein targets of interest.
Apply cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and/or X-ray crystallography to determine high-resolution structures of proteins and macromolecular complexes.
Execute end-to-end cryo-EM workflows, including sample and grid preparation, data collection, image processing, 3D reconstruction, and atomic model building and refinement.
Work effectively with research staff across different disciplines and levels of expertise within a multidisciplinary, collaborative research environment.
Demonstrate strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate scientific findings clearly and effectively.
Prepare, analyze, and present experimental data for scientific publications, presentations, and internal research reports.
Maintain a safe, secure, organized, and compliant laboratory environment in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.