Structural Biology Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fragment Screening) NSLS-II (National Synch[...]

Lightsources.org; New York (NY); On-site; USD 71,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research facility is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a role in the Biological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences Division. The candidate will support high throughput x-ray crystallographic fragment screening, collaborating closely with professionals to develop sample preparation techniques and data analysis methodologies. An ideal opportunity for scientists wishing to enhance their expertise in laboratory automation and data science.

Qualifications

• Must have a PhD by the commencement of employment.
• Proven ability to optimize crystallization systems.
• Experience in scientific publications required.

Responsibilities

• Lead XCFS projects from crystallization to public data deposition.
• Support user XCFS campaigns through data analysis.
• Collaborate with NSLS-II staff on data processing and automation.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Problem-solving

Scientific communication

User support

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Biophysics, Biology, Biochemistry or Structural Biology

Tools

Python

Job description

Job IDJR101826

Date posted05/21/2025

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in theBiological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences Division (BEPSD)at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II). NSLS-II is a user facility dedicated to helping researchers from the U.S. and abroad bring cutting-edge synchrotron technology and automation to bear on society’s most pressing issues.

Position Description

The position will support the operation and continued development of a center for high throughput x-ray crystallographic fragment screening (XCFS). The successful candidate will collaborate closely with NSLS-II staff while developing cutting edge sample preparation and data analysis techniques that enable the next generation of the XCFS methodology. In addition, the candidate will be expected to select and pursue target systems tailored to their own scientific interests and to work closely with NSLS-II staff in supporting user operations of the XCFS facility from crystallization to data analysis. The position offers candidates a unique opportunity to cultivate skillsets in laboratory automation and data science as they work closely with NSLS-II professional staff and industrial or academic users of the facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Initiate and complete independent XCFS projects from crystallization to public data deposition.
• Support external user XCFS campaigns from crystallization to data analysis and deposition.
• Work with NSLS-II software developers to create and modify database schema and data processing pipelines for handling XCFS laboratory metadata.
• Work with NSLS-II automation team and engineering support staff to develop the next generation of robotics and sample preparation protocols for XCFS.
• Optimize crystallization systems for XCFS campaigns.
• Work with external users or CROs to optimize or modify crystallization constructs for XCFS campaigns.
• Document research activities and provide regular status updates for ongoing projects.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Biophysics, Biology, Biochemistry or Structural Biology.
• Proven ability to optimize peptide, protein or nucleic acid crystallization systems.
• Basic laboratory skills in safely handling and maintaining chemical reagent stocks.
• Proven track record in disseminating scientific results in the form of publications.
• Strong motivation to provide excellent user support.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to program and debug python code, particularly Jupyter notebooks.
• Experience in working on collaborative software projects.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Any information pertaining to the environment, health or safety requirements for a position that will be considered when evaluating a candidate (e.g., details from JAF)

Other Information:

• The position will be located onsite at BNL.
• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
• 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 post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation.The full salary range for this positionis $71,900.00 – 100,000.00 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven 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

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Brookhaven Science Associates is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. BSA takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance the employment of minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.