Cryo-EM Scientist

Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 103,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York, is hiring a cryo-EM scientist to enhance the facility's capabilities. This role involves operating cutting-edge cryo-EM equipment, training users, and developing new methods. Candidates should possess a PhD in a relevant scientific field along with postdoctoral experience, effective communication skills, and a strong ability to work independently or in a team. The position offers a salary range of $103,000 to $138,000 per year, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 2 years postdoctoral experience required.
• Experience in cryo-EM techniques and sample preparation.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain cryo-EMs and related equipment.
• Train and support users through the 3-tier training program.
• Collaborate on experiments and provide guidance on sample preparation.

Skills

Effective communication

Self-starter

Team player

Organizational skills

Education

PhD in a relevant field (biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, microbiology, virology)

Tools

Cryo-EM instrumentation

Linux/UNIX environment

Job description

The national cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) center, the Laboratory for BioMolecular Structure (LBMS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory, provides sample preparation, screening, and high-resolution data collection for both single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) studies.

The facility currently hosts one high-end Krios microscope, one Talos 120C and one JEM 2100 screening electron microscopes, an Aquilos2 cryo-focused-ion beam scanning electron microscope (cryo-FIB-SEM), an EM ICE high-pressure freezer, and cryo-grids preparation equipment.

Position Description

The LBMS is seeking an experienced scientist to join our team and support our efforts in operation and improvement of LBMS cryo-EM capabilities. The cryo-EM scientist will help users obtain high-quality Cryo-EM data, lead cryo-EM efforts on collaboration projects, participate in LBMS 3-tier training program, and develop/implement new methods.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in biology, and experience with cryo-EM techniques.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain cryo-EMs and related equipment, including sample preparation and image acquisition.
• Train, support and educate users and the public through the 3-tier training program.
• Collaborate with users to design and optimize experiments; provide guidance on sample preparation, data collection, and analysis.
• Communicate with academic and industrial user communities and provide support.
• Contribute to method development in cryo-EM and support overall LBMS operations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, microbiology, virology) with 2 years postdoctoral experience.
• Effective and constructive communicator.
• Ability to work both independently as a self-starter and as a proactive team player.
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to support continuous facility operations and user needs.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Experience in at least one of the following: cryo-EM instrumentation, sample preparation, high-resolution single particle data collection, or cryo-electron tomography.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Single-particle image processing using CryoSPARC, Relion, cisTEM, EMAN2, or similar software.
• Tomography image processing using IMOD, AreTomo, EMAN2, or related packages.
• Cryogenic sample preparation using cryo-FIB or cryo-microtome.
• Fluorescence light microscopy for correlative or complementary studies.
• Experience in working in a Linux/UNIX environment.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.

Other Information

• Candidates should submit a CV/resume, a cover letter and contact information for three references.
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $103,000 - $138,000 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

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