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 is seeking a Biological Associate in the Biology Department at Upton, NY. You will lead protein expression and purification projects, perform biophysical characterization, and contribute to structural determinations using cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography.

Collaboration with AI teams and cross-disciplinary staff is essential. The role emphasizes lab coordination, data presentation, and maintaining a safe, compliant workspace onsite at Brookhaven.

Qualifications

• BS in plant biology, biochemistry, or related field required.
• Minimum three years of hands-on biology lab experience.
• Experience with biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology in plants or microbes.
• Experience in structure determination of metal transporters and metal-binding proteins.
• Experience with analytical instruments like FPLC.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate lab activities and maintain organized lab environment.
• Express and purify proteins in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems.
• Characterize proteins biophysically and biochemically.
• Apply cryo-EM and/or X-ray crystallography to solve structures.
• Collaborate with AI/computational teams to design protein targets.
• Prepare data for publications and reports.

Skills

Protein expression

Biophysical characterization

Cryo-EM

X-ray crystallography

Molecular biology

Protein purification

Data analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in plant biology or biochemistry

Experience in plant/microbial biology research

Tools

FPLC

Cryo-EM

X-ray crystallography

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

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 systemsExperience in structure determination of metal transporters and metal-binding proteinsExperience in operating analytical instruments such as FPLC and performing data analysesAbility to multi-task and meet deadlines as requiredAbility to work independently with a strong work ethic and self-motivationClear and concise oral and written communication and organizational skills; demonstrated laboratory coordinationPlanning and executing experiments/schedules effectivelyAbility to track performance and report activities as requiredPreferred 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 approachesSkill in transient gene expression in tobaccoExperience with membrane protein purification is highly desirable.Experience in maintaining HEK293 cell growth and conducting cell-based assays.OTHER INFORMATION:1 year term position with the possibility of renewal based on continued funding, business needsDomestic travel may be requiredCandidates should submit a CV and a brief description of research experienceThis position is fully onsite at Upton, NY.INCLUDE A RESUME AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR RESEARCH EXPERIENCEBrookhaven 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 ProgramBrookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory – view more information at www.bnl.gov/real-id . This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act . Those not in possession of a REAL ID-compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews .As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg. 2, Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM- Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) ) , and DOE Order 473.1A- Physical Protection Program- Physical Protection Program .About UsBrookhaven 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 EmployerGuided 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 ContractorBSA employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file