Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Protein Crystallography, Macromolecular Single-Crystal Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction
Job ID: 15788 To apply, please visit: http://www.bnl.gov/HR/careers/ Requires a Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, biophysics, or related areas, and should have some training in Raman spectroscopy applied to biological samples. Working knowledge of synchrotron-based, macromolecular X-ray crystallography is desirable. Seek individual with strong publication record and a commitment to research and development. Must display the capability to collaborate with a diverse group of scientists and engineers. The candidate will assist with the development and operation of the new single crystal spectroscopy facility at beamline X26-C of the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). The PXRR group (www.px.nsls.bnl.gov) is continuing to develop this facility for concurrent X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic analysis of biological macromolecules. This will include at least three types of complementary data from the same crystal held at 100K. We now routinely collect X-ray diffraction to high resolution, optical absorption spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy in a fully integrated manner. To further leverage these capabilities, we are creating a pipeline for the structural/biophysical analysis of selected macromolecules from Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021. This N2-fixing bacterium forms a symbiotic relationship with legumes. As an example, we have initiated the pipeline with selected ORFs because the annotation suggests that the protein binds either iron (~144 ORFs), heme (63 ORFs), copper (28 ORFs), or is from the oxidoreductase family (535 ORFs). The electronic properties of metal centers and organic cofactors often provide spectroscopic access to chemical reactions; but, this may also make them sensitive to alteration by X-ray-derived photo-electrons. Single-crystal spectroscopy correlated with X-ray diffraction provides complementary data for these types of systems. It also enables a powerful strategy to promote, trap and study reaction intermediates at low temperature within the macromolecular crystal. Research of this type is currently ongoing at NSLS beamline X26-C and is proposed for NSLS-II beamline SM3. BNL policy states that Research Associate appointments may be made to those who have received their doctoral degree within the past five years. Candidates should submit a cover letter outlining career goals and how the candidate would like to contribute to the effort of the group, a full Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications, and the names, affiliations, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of three professional referees. Under the supervision of A. M. Orville, Biology Department. BNL is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. AMO ~~~*~~~*~~~ Allen M. Orville, Ph.D. Biology Department Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton, NY 11973-5000 USA Phone: 631-344-4739 e-mail: [email protected] web: http://www.bnl.gov/biology/People/Orville.asp
