Postdoctoral Research Associate – Macromolecular Crystal Preparation for NSLS-II
2-year Term Position BNL Overview: Brookhaven National Laboratory is a nonprofit research and development institution whose purpose is to advance ideas and knowledge through a multidisciplinary program of basic and applied research. Project Overview: A postdoctoral position is available to develop new crystal-preparation technologies to advance the use of serial macromolecular crystallography (MX) at NSLS-II. This new synchrotron will soon begin operation at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The individual will develop technologies for crystallization, drug discovery, and crystal handling to make serial crystallography possible, using various technologies, including acoustic droplet ejection (ADE). The project will provide the capability for experimenters to employ nanoliter quantities of material to produce specimens for diffraction studies with a large number of discrete experiments in a small area. This will exploit the micro-beam capabilities of NSLS-II MX beamlines; both room temperature and cryogenic serial crystallography strategies will be explored. High-throughput screening will be used for different types of structural biology projects (crystallization conditions, fragment binding, etc). The individual will work closely with a broad technology-development team. Our team members have different areas of expertise, from 3D labware design to research on medically relevant expressed proteins. No experience with ADE is necessary. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will assist in the development and implementation of procedures and computer algorithms that leverage the Echo 550 instrument for macromolecular crystallography applications for serial crystallography applications in the few-nanoliter regime. The candidate will also develop novel technologies as well as improve existing technologies, and will have opportunities to participate in other related projects in a large and diverse group. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Ph.D. in an appropriate chemistry, biology, or physics discipline; structural biology, crystallography, or a related field will have preference * Demonstrated experience (preferably including publications) in innovative experimentation and/or methods development with crystallography or drug discovery * Experience with conventional crystallization, and familiarity with micro crystallization and handling of micro crystals will be valuable * Experience in computer programming * The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to work with a team. Other Information: BNL policy states that Research Associate appointments may be made to those who have received their doctoral degrees within the past five years. Please apply to Job # 137 on our jobs website: http://www.bnl.gov/HR/careers/ At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes but is not limited to: * Medical Plans * Vacation * Holidays * Dental Plans * Life Insurance * 401(k) Plan * On-site Child Development Center, Swimming Pool, Weight room Tennis Courts, and many other employee perks and benefits.
