Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country. Our organization fully supports service members transitioning from active duty to civilian life and pledge’s our commitment to actively hire veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Military personnel who have been formally trained or have relevant experience obtained while in service may meet educational requirements and are encouraged to apply for job opportunities at BSA.

Organizational Overview
Researchers in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory seek to unravel and fully describe the complexities of biological systems—from how plants make oils and other products to the role of proteins in disease. Our work helps to develop and makes use of the tools and techniques of biochemistry, molecular genetics, and structural biology. We also leverage the unique capabilities of Brookhaven’s National Synchrotron Light Source-II and Center for Functional Nanomaterials, major research facilities open to scientists from around the world. Our research makes important contributions to fulfilling the missions of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences and Office of Biological and Environmental Research. In addition, together with the Collider-Accelerator Department, the Biology Department manages the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven, which is used by radiobiologists and physicists to study the effects of space radiation on both living and non-living systems with the aim of protecting future astronauts.

Position Description

The Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory has an opening for Postdoctoral Research Associate position.  The successful candidate will join a newly funded DOE Early Career Research Program “Exploring the Role of TOR kinase in the Regulation of Central Metabolism and Lipid Synthesis” led by Dr. Zhiyang Zhai (https://science.osti.gov/early-career). This research program will lever our established plant kinase system platform (Zhai et al., TPC 2017, Zhai et al., TPC 2018) and utilize the state-of-the-art Laboratory of BioMolecular Structure (LBMS) Cryo-EM facility to unravel and dissect the fascinating plant TOR signaling pathway. In this role you will also enjoy a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Position Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and perform experiments.
• Perform plant transformation and protein sample preparation for proteomics analysis.
• Optimize protein sample preparation for cryo-EM studies.
• Document research results and attend conferences.
• Manuscript writing.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A Ph.D. in biochemistry, plant molecular genetics, or related field.
• Laboratory research experience in the areas of plant molecular genetics or Plant Biochemistry.
• Demonstrated experience in the standard techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and plant science.
• Demonstrated knowledge in plant metabolism and molecular, genetic and biochemical characterizations of genes and pathways.
• A proven track record of experimental design, execution and data analysis as reflected in manuscript writing and successful publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with cryo-EM or proteomics analysis.

OTHER INFORMATION: 

• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
• National travel may be required.
• Candidates should submit a CV, a brief description of research interests, and contact information for three references.
• The initial one-year term appointment is subject to renewal contingent upon performance and funding.

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, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave)
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation:  Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Ping Pong, Softball, Tennis)

Brookhaven Science Associates requires proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. Proof of full vaccination as recognized by the CDC and/or WHO, inclusive of the two-week waiting period, is required at the start of your employment.

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

BNL takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file