Biophysicist Research Scientist

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division (MBIB) has an opening for a Biophysicist Research Scientist to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will work on a project within the Photosynthetic Systems research area in the Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This project will be focused on understanding the structural details of light induced charge separation and stabilization in photosynthetic reaction centers at ultra-fast timescales. You will collaborate with the principal investigator (PI) and group members in leading data collection efforts using both synchrotron- and X-ray free electrons laser (XFEL)-facilities and in-house ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and other spectroscopic approaches.

Additionally, you will be responsible for helping to develop a sample delivery system compatible with serial crystallographic experiments at the Advanced Light Source (ALS). This effort will include close collaboration with the Computing Sciences Area (CS) to integrate automatic data evaluation and experiment control into the system.

This position has an anticipated start date of January 15, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Analyze experimental X-ray/cryo-EM structural, UV/Vis, and FTIR spectroscopic data relevant to the Photosynthetic Systems research area, leading collaborations with external researchers in the analysis of other experimental data.
• Propose, execute and manage synchrotron, XFEL, and related experiments on photosynthetic reaction center proteins with relevance to the DOE Basic Energy Sciences (BES) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research in the group.
• Develop new sample delivery techniques in collaboration with ALS scientists to allow automatic conduction of serial crystallographic experiments at the crystallography beam lines at the ALS.
• Incorporate automatic feedback control into the sample delivery system to allow autonomous control of experiment and data collection.
• Play an active role in maintaining and establishing collaborations with relevant experimental and computational scientists (internal/external/international) related to the projects described above and in consultation with the PIs.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students, support and train others up to postdoc level, and help PI manage group members with growth chambers, sample preparation, and characterization.
• Play an active role in the preparation of publications, project management and reporting, and grant writing for existing projects in close interaction with the PIs.
• Develop new project directions and related funding proposals in close collaboration with the supervisor/PIs to strengthen and widen the photosynthetic systems footprint.

What is Required:

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Biophysics, Physics, Chemistry or a related field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with the biochemical aspects of photosynthetic systems, including sample preparation, characterization, and activity measurements for structural and spectroscopic studies.
• Experience with ultrafast transient absorption UV/Vis and FTIR spectroscopic methods relevant for the study of photosynthetic systems.
• Experience with data collection using synchrotron and XFEL user facilities.
• Detailed knowledge of photosynthetic reaction centers, their functional characteristics, reaction center structures, and their kinetic and spectroscopic properties.
• Detailed knowledge of the photosynthetic reaction center in photosystem I, photosystem II, and purple bacteria, including X-ray/cryo-EM structural and UV/Vis/FTIR spectroscopic background, and function characterization.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and record keeping skills including experience recording experiment results and analyzing data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience presenting findings at group meetings, conferences, and publishing results.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with diverse teams of scientific, operations, and technical staff.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Biophysics, Physics, Chemistry or a related field.
• Experience with Python, C++, and/or other relevant languages for data analysis and processing.
• A strong track record of instrumentation design and implementation at an X-ray user facility.
• Strong computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering skills necessary for instrumentation design.
• Hands on skills in instrumentation implementation at synchrotron and XFEL beam lines.
• A good understanding of bioenergetics, protein dynamics, and bioinorganic chemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to write proposals for new funding sources and project directions.
• Demonstrated ability to plan experiments and direct a team to conduct experimental tasks.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position by December 27, 2024.
• This is a full time, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay, 2 year, Career-Track Term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• This position is expected to pay $81,706 - $129,737 per year for job code S07.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• 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 on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94760.

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