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Researchers in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) 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

A one year term postdoctoral position (with annual renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding) is available in the laboratory of Dr. Tim Paape in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory. As part of the Quantitative Plant Science Initiative (QPSI) research program, our research focuses on reducing gene function uncertainty in photosynthetic organisms. We use high-throughput (HTP) laboratory automation approaches, sequencing technologies and cutting-edge structural and imaging approaches in concert with classical physiological, biochemical and molecular methods to provide truly holistic perspectives on cellular function. By employing a wide range of approaches, the candidate will join an interdisciplinary team dedicated to accelerating genome to predictive understanding. Members of our team include researchers from BNL, Cold Spring Harbor Labs, Argonne National Laboratory, Univ. of Wisconsin, and we interact with the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), both DOE run facilities.

We foster a high-energy, diverse culture with a “can-do” attitude – enthusiasm to work collaboratively and to learn new approaches is essential. Equally, we hope to expand our group’s skillset by incorporating incoming skills. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community

Position Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work on conduct metal ion analysis (ICP-MS) using DOE bioenergy crops (poplar and sorghum) and Arabidopsis.
• Sample preparation for ionomics, RNAseq, metabolomics and functional characterization of genes and pathways regulating plant metal homeostasis.
• Molecular analysis of candidate ion transporter genes.
• RNA-Seq data analysis.
• RT-PCR preparation and qPCR analysis, Sanger sequencing and basic sequence alignment/analysis.
• Using publicly available databases to identify sequence homology (i.e. BLAST, NCBI).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in plant biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with sample preparation.
• Demonstrated knowledge in molecular, genetic and biochemical characterizations of genes and pathways.
• Experience in manuscript writing and demonstrated track record of publication of research in high quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work colaboratively in a team-based research environment.

• Quantitative genetics and phenotype analysis.
• Extensive knowledge and interest in evolutionary biology, agricultural and ecological genomics.
• Statistics, linear model analysis, differential expression analysis.
• ICP-MS or similar mass spectrometry for ion analysis.
• Knowledge of plant physiology, metal homeostasis, biochemistry.
• Plant growth culturing.
• Understanding of experimental design in growth chambers, greenhouses.

Other information:

• BNL policy requires that research associate appointments be made to individuals who have received their doctorate within the past five years.
• The initial appointment will be one year with annual renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued 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 Plans
• Dental Plans
• Vacation
• Holidays
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Swimming Pool, Weight Room, Tennis Courts, and many other employee perks and benefits