Biology Associate III-(1 year term Appointment)

Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 81,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY seeks a Biological Associate to advance research on metal uptake, transport, and homeostasis. The role involves coordinating experiments with the PI, performing protein expression/purification in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems, and integrating structural biology tools to reveal protein structures.

Expect a 1-year term with onsite work at Upton. The candidate will work across disciplines, engage with AI/computational teams, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in plant biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• 3+ years lab experience in biochemistry or biotech with plants or microbes.
• Molecular biology techniques: DNA/RNA, PCR, gel, ligation, expression/purification.
• Structure determination of metal transporters and metal-binding proteins.
• Experience with FPLC and data analysis.
• Multi-tasking and meeting deadlines.
• Independent worker with strong work ethic.
• Clear written and oral communication; lab coordination.
• Plan and execute experiments and schedules.
• Track performance and report activities.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrated proficiency in protein expression and purification using eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems.
• Biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins; enzyme activity assays and binding measurements.
• Collaborate with AI and computational teams to design, engineer, and screen protein targets.
• Apply cryo-EM and/or X-ray crystallography to determine high-resolution structures.
• Execute end-to-end cryo-EM workflows: sample prep, data collection, processing, reconstruction, refinement.
• Prepare, analyze, and present experimental data for publications and reports.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment.

Skills

Protein expression

Biochemical assays

Cryo-EM

X-ray crystallography

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in plant biology, biochemistry, or a related field

PhD preferred

Tools

FPLC

cryoSPARC

RELION

ChimeraX

Phenix

HEK293 cell culture

Job description

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.

Essential Duties and 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

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.
• Planning and execution Experience with cryo-EM image-processing and structural-analysis software, such as cryoSPARC, RELION, ChimeraX, and/or Phenix, or comparable tools.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• 1 year term position with the possibility of renewal based on continued funding, business needs
• Domestic travel may be required
• Candidates should submit a CV and a brief description of research experience
• This position is fully onsite at Upton, NY
• INCLUDE A RESUME AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $80600 - $112,833 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program

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About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation's future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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