Biology Associate III-; term Appointment

Researchers in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory

Researchers in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory seek to unravel and fully describe the complexities of biological systems-molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying biomolecular metal uptake, transport, and homeostasis, and translate these insights into protein engineering strategies for selective metal binding, enrichment, and recovery. The work helps to develop and makes use of the tools and techniques of biochemistry, molecular genetics, and structural biology to understand biomolecular challenges.

We also leverage the unique capabilities of Brookhaven’s National Synchrotron Light Source-II and Laboratory for Biomolecular Structure, and other major research facilities open to scientists from around the world. The Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory has an opening for a Biological Associate. In this role, you will need to have a strong commitment to excellence in research coordination and laboratory management.

You will work closely with the Principal Investigator and/or other research staff to advance the research projects on increasing basic understanding and engineering of microbes and plants for metal sequestration, utilization, and biocatalysis.

• Demonstrated proficiency in protein expression and purification using both eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression systems.
• Perform comprehensive biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins, including enzyme activity assays and protein-ligand binding/affinity measurements.
• Collaborate closely with AI and computational teams to design, engineer, and screen protein targets of interest.
• Apply cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and/or X-ray crystallography to determine high-resolution structures of proteins and macromolecular complexes.
• Execute end-to-end cryo-EM workflows, including sample and grid preparation, data collection, image processing, 3D reconstruction, and atomic model building and refinement.
• Work effectively with research staff across different disciplines and levels of expertise within a multidisciplinary, collaborative research environment.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate scientific findings clearly and effectively.
• Prepare, analyze, and present experimental data for scientific publications, presentations, and internal research reports.
• Maintain a safe, secure, organized, and compliant laboratory environment in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in plant biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible related work experience, including biological laboratory research and demonstrated hands‑on experience conducting biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology research involving plants or microbes.
• Experience in diverse molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, including DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion and ligation, protein expression and purification using both eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression systems.
• Experience in structure determination of metal transporters and metal‑binding proteins.
• Experience in operating analytical instruments such as FPLC and performing data analyses.
• Ability to multi‑task and meet deadlines as required.
• Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic and self‑motivation.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication and organizational skills; demonstrated laboratory coordination.
• Planning and executing experiments/schedules effectively.
• Ability to track performance and report…