NE-CAT Computational Crystallographer
Position Responsibilities
The incumbent will provide scientific support to NE-CAT’s synchrotron
X-ray beamline program located at the Advanced Photon Source facility
within Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, Illinois. The
incumbent will have the following principal responsibilities: 1)
development of new software to facilitate the taking and analysis of
complex X-ray diffraction data obtained from challenging
macromolecular systems, e.g., automation of the process from data
taking to structure determination, novel applications of
microdiffraction crystallography, dealing with radiation damage,
nonmerohedral twinning of crystals, nonisotropic diffraction, etc.,
2) pursuit of an independent research program using the X-ray
beamlines and/or participation in collaborative programs with NE-CAT
core research collaborators, and 3) participation with other NE-CAT
staff providing support to users of NE-CAT beamlines including
beamline orientation, training on the use of NE-CAT beamlines and
scientific software, assistance in setting up their experiments, and
providing crystallographic expertise to ensure that users obtain the
highest quality data. The research and support activities will
require occasional evening and weekend work shared with other staff
members, since the beamlines are in continual 24 hour a day
operation. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of
the NE-CAT Operations Team Leader.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Requirements
Applicants should be experienced in macromolecular crystallography
research, ideally using synchrotron light sources, and knowledgeable
in the use of commonly used data analysis and structural
determination software such as CCP4, Phenix, HKL2000, XDS, etc. The
applicant should have considerable experience and interest in
software development and computer technologies, ideally those used in
crystallographic research. Applicants should be expert in scripting/
programming languages such as Python, Fortran, C/C++, etc. Upon hire,
the incumbent will be expected to rapidly develop competence in the
use of the scripting beamline control language Console, specific to
NE-CAT’s beamline operation. Applicants should be knowledgeable and
have considerable hands on experience with a broad spectrum of
computer hardware - Windows and Linux based computers, Raid-based
data storage systems, etc. Applicants must have strong interpersonal
relationship skills in working closely and successfully with a group
of other staff members and users as well as good communication
skills, both oral and written. This level of knowledge and skills is
usually acquired at a Ph.D. degree level in biology, physics, or
chemistry and more than 2 years of directly relevant experience.
For more information about NE-CAT, please see our website, http://
necat.chem.cornell.edu. Candidates should forward a cover letter with
curriculum vita, copies of relevant publications, and contact
information for three references to NE-CAT Director Prof. Steven E.
Ealick ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Applications will be accepted until the
position is filled. Cornell is an equal opportunity, affirmative
action educator and employer.
