Biology Associate III – TOR signaling in regulation of plant central metabolism

The mission in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory seeks 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.

The Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory has an opening for Biology Associate III position. The successful candidate will work on “Exploring the Role of TOR kinase in the Regulation of Central Metabolism and Lipid Synthesis” led by Dr. Zhiyang Zhai.   The group works on sensor kinases, the function of which is to monitor the carbon and energy status of the cell and that activate or repress their kinase function.  When activated, these kinases phosphorylate a constellation of regulatory proteins and enzymes to achieve homeostatic control of cellular metabolism by controlling the balance between anabolism and catabolism.  The PI, Dr. Zhai is leveraging his discoveries and experience in establishing the molecular mechanism underlying regulation of the SnRK1 kinase. "‪Zhiyang Zhai - ‪Google Scholar " to decipher the mechanism of the Target of Rapamycin sensor kinase which is the other key plant metabolic homeostatic complex.  The work will utilize Brookhaven National Lab’s state-of-the-art Laboratory of BioMolecular Structure (LBMS) Cryo-EM and other unique facilities including the National Synchrotron Light Source-II. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural science community.‪

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with designing and performing experiments.

• Plant transformation and protein sample preparation for proteomics analysis

• Optimizing protein sample preparation for cryo-EM studies.

• Documenting research results and attending conferences.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, plant molecular genetics, or related field.

• Minimum of three (3) years progressively responsible related work experience including supporting scientific research programs following established methods and standards for investigation and experimentation.

• Laboratory research experience in 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.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based research environment

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A Master’s degree in biochemistry, plant molecular genetics, or related field.

• Experience with protein kinase analysis, recombinant protein production and purification from E.coli , cryo-EM or proteomics analysis

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Initial three (3) year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding.

• National travel may be required.

• Candidates should submit a CV, a brief description of research interests, and contact information for three references.

• This is an onsite position located at BNL – Upton, NY

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $72700 - $92150 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

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