Requisition Id 11773 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in biochemistry to join an interdisciplinary team from different DOE National Laboratories and partner universities that is funded by the DOE Biopreparedness Research Virtual Environment (BRaVE) initiative .

You will contribute to a project that aims to develop an integrated platform for rapid production and characterization of viral proteins to aid in the design of therapeutics. You will be responsible for developing and executing approaches to produce deuterium-labeled proteins for small-angle neutron scattering measurements to provide insights into the structural properties of these macromolecular complexes. Taking this position, you will have the opportunity to work with a team comprising of specialists in structural biology, assay development, X-ray and neutron diffraction and scattering, and computation.

As part of our research team, you will be affiliated with the ORNL Center for Structural Molecular Biology , and you will have access to a tool suite that includes leading small-angle scattering and neutron diffraction facilities, bio-fermentation laboratories, and biophysical characterization laboratories, in addition to in-house small angle X-ray scattering and X-ray diffraction instrumentation. The position represents an excellent opportunity for you to develop your career and interact with leading scientists from around the world.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop protein expression systems for novel deuterium labeling strategies.
• Assist in small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering experiments.
• Actively participate in the research activities of the group and provide support to visiting researchers.
• Deliver high impact research results to advance the field of virus structural biology.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze data, and publish results to the scientific community.
• Present scientific results at appropriate national and international conferences.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience in molecular biology techniques including production of recombinant proteins from eukaryotic systems.
• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in biological isotopic labeling.
• Previous experience in applying X-ray diffraction or small angle scattering methods to biological macromolecular complexes.
• Biophysical characterization techniques using optical spectroscopy, NMR, and EPR.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.
• The candidate should be self-motivated, have good interpersonal, communication, and presentational skills, and should have demonstrated the ability to interact effectively with research staff at all levels and to work within a multi-disciplinary team.

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov .

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.