Postdoctoral Fellow (Synchrotron Imaging of Biology)

Berkeley Lab’s  (LBNL ) Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division (MBIB ) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to groundbreaking work in bioenergy, bioremediation, and disease research. You will be at the forefront of transformative research using synchrotron tools capable of measurements that span from electronic states to biological tissue. 

 

Dive into the world of synchrotron light-enhanced techniques in collaboration with the Advanced Light Source . As a member of the SIBYLS team, a focus will be on an X-ray scattering (SAXS) beamline. Your work will extend beyond SAXS to various imaging techniques. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to the upgrade of the beamline and improve its integration with other techniques at the upgraded Advanced Light Source (ALS-U) — a chance to shape a unique national instrument. 

 

Throughout your fellowship, you will not only apply diverse imaging technologies but also contribute to the design and build of cutting-edge tools and approaches. Collaborate with scientists from all over the world who have applied for time to use SIBYLS, perform your own experiments, integrate results from multiple synchrotron techniques (spectroscopy, crystallography, SAXS, X-ray Tomography and infra-red), and develop novel tools and computational algorithms. 

 

Collaboration opportunities abound with other renowned LBNL institutions like Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), Joint Genome Institute (JGI), Molecular Foundry (MF), and National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC). Close ties with UC Berkeley, offer diverse collaborations in non-synchrotron imaging modalities. Your journey will equip you with skills sought after in imaging and the fields to which you have applied the imaging tools, opening doors to a fulfilling career beyond your time at Berkeley Lab.

 

This position has an anticipated start date of February 5, 2024.

 

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate with a scientific team to apply LBNL infrastructure for discoveries in disease, bioremediation, and bioenergy research through synchrotron imaging.
• Plan and execute integrated imaging experiments (crystallographic, SAXS, X-ray tomography,...) on core mission samples.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed journals, present findings at seminars and conferences, and participate in grant proposal development.
• Collaborate with other synchrotron beamlines and LBNL institutions.

• Participate in professional scientific activities (e.g., review of papers, research proposals, etc.).
• Support and contribute to the development of research project ideas and proposals.
• Participate in relevant professional societies with relevance to the program and group activities.

 

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or related discipline.
• Experience in cell growth, protein expression, or handling of biological macromolecules.
• Demonstrated computational programming skills including C and Python.
• In-depth understanding of protein, DNA, and RNA structure.
• Strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to efficiently organize technical information for publication and presentation.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with computational tools in protein engineering.
• Experience working with antibodies, metalloproteins, and DNA or RNA binding proteins.
• Experience going “sequence to structure,” or start to finish of the construct design to X-ray crystal structure pipeline.
• Experience with interdisciplinary research.
• Experience collecting data at a synchrotron.
• Knowledge of national user facility operations.

 

Notes:

• For first consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by January 15, 2024.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,643-$6,766 and is expected to start at $5,643 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position will be performed onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720.

 

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

 

Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump-start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and a strong community.  For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

 

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

 

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.