Postdoctoral Research Associate - Structural Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics

Requisition Id 12888 

Overview

The Diffraction Group in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral Protein Chemist or Structural Biologist to join a multi-disciplinary research team in development and application of paramagnetic labeling and proton polarization techniques for structure analysis! This project involves multi-task efforts in molecular biology, NMR, dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and macromolecular crystallography, and collaboration with computational scientists developing ML and AI tools for molecular simulation and analysis. As an ORNL postdoctoral fellow you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities for isotopic labeling, biophysical characterization, and X-ray diffraction, as well as access to world class facilities for neutron diffraction and scattering, and molecular simulations! This position will allow the postdoctoral scientist to develop expertise, broaden experience and interact with a diverse set of scientists working at the ORNL’s neutron scattering and high-performance computing facilities.

Desirable skills include expertise in biological structure determination and in biophysical characterization using NMR/EPR or X-ray techniques. Additional experience in covalent modification of proteins with fluorophores or spin labels would be a distinct advantage. You will also have access to a suite of biophysical characterization tools, as well as external synchrotron facilities.

This position will report to Dean Myles. You will work closely with research staff and other postdoctoral associates in NSD and across ORNL.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:  

• Responsible for protein labeling, biophysical characterization and X-ray and neutron crystallographic analysis.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of strategies for proton polarization using DNP techniques for structural analysis.
• Publish scientific papers resulting from this research and present results at appropriate national and international meetings.
• Physical requirements for this job include the use of hand and eye protection gear, kneeling, sitting for extended periods of time, working with sample environment equipment, and possible exposure to ionization radiation normally associated with operation of neutron scattering instruments for scientific research.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• The SNS and HFIR facilities are in operation 24 hours per day and 7 days a week year-round. Some experiment-based efforts may occasionally require work at off hours or weekends.
• 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 Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, or biophysics. 
• A Ph.D. in related fields such as chemistry, physical chemistry or similar, who have relevant experience in biological structure research will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and strong knowledge of structure-based macromoleculartechniques and analysis is required.
• Experience in protein expression and purification in prokaryotic systems.
• Experience in crystallization, structure determination and analysis of protein-ligand complexes.
• Experience in other biophysical characterization methods.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with research staff at all levels and to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
• The candidate should be self-motivated, have good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

Special Requirements:

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.

Provide a current curriculum vitae including a list of publications when applying for 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. If you are selected for interview, you will be required to send in a minimum of two letters of reference.

Please include a discussion of your research interests and how neutron scattering can support your plan for research during your time at ORNL in your cover letter with your application.

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.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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.