Cryo-EM Scientist
Brookhaven National Laboratory · Upton, NY
- On site
- Full-time
- $138,000 / year
- Upton, NY
Job highlights
- Operate advanced cryo-EM equipment.
- Train and support diverse user communities.
- Collaborate on experimental design and optimization.
- Contribute to method development in cryo-EM.
- Support overall facility operations.
About the role
Cryo-EM Scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory
The Laboratory for BioMolecular Structure (LBMS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory, a national cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) center, is seeking an experienced scientist to support and enhance its cryo-EM capabilities. The LBMS facility is equipped with advanced instrumentation for single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), including Krios, Talos, JEM 2100 microscopes, a cryo-FIB-SEM, a high-pressure freezer, and cryo-grid preparation equipment.
Position Overview
As a Cryo-EM Scientist, you will play a crucial role in helping users obtain high-quality Cryo-EM data, leading cryo-EM efforts on collaboration projects, participating in the LBMS 3-tier training program, and developing/implementing new methods. This role requires a strong background in biology and extensive experience with cryo-EM techniques.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain cryo-EMs and related equipment, including sample preparation and image acquisition.
- Train, support, and educate users and the public through the 3-tier training program.
- Collaborate with users to design and optimize experiments, providing guidance on sample preparation, data collection, and analysis.
- Communicate with academic and industrial user communities, offering comprehensive support.
- Contribute to method development in cryo-EM and support overall LBMS operations.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- PhD in a relevant field (e.g., biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, microbiology, virology) with at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience.
- Effective and constructive communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as a proactive team player.
- Flexibility to maintain a schedule that may include evenings and weekends to support continuous facility operations and user needs.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Experience in at least one of the following: cryo-EM instrumentation, sample preparation, high-resolution single particle data collection, or cryo-electron tomography.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Single-particle image processing using CryoSPARC, Relion, cisTEM, EMAN2, or similar software.
- Tomography image processing using IMOD, AreTomo, EMAN2, or related packages.
- Cryogenic sample preparation using cryo-FIB or cryo-microtome.
- Fluorescence light microscopy for correlative or complementary studies.
- Experience in a Linux/UNIX environment.
- A strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a multi-level role with a salary range of $103,000 - $138,000 per year, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Brookhaven National Laboratory offers a comprehensive employee benefits program.
About Brookhaven National Laboratory
Brookhaven National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution focused on discovery science and transformative technology. With a history of Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and numerous R&D 100 Awards, the lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science and operated by Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA). We are committed to fostering a respectful, collaborative, and innovative environment.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process.
Key skills/competency
- Cryo-EM Scientist
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy
- Cryo-ET
- Sample Preparation
- Data Collection
- Image Processing
- Cryo-EM Instrumentation
- Method Development
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
Skills & topics
- Cryo-EM Scientist
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy
- Cryo-ET
- Sample Preparation
- Data Collection
- Image Processing
- Microscopy
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Scientific Research
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your PhD, postdoctoral experience, and specific cryo-EM skills (instrumentation, sample prep, data collection, analysis).
- Showcase collaboration: Emphasize your ability to work independently and as a team player, and your communication skills.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with cryo-EM techniques, software (CryoSPARC, Relion), and sample preparation methods.
- Demonstrate flexibility: Note your willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support facility operations.
- Address specific requirements: Ensure your application clearly addresses the PhD, postdoctoral experience, and relevant cryo-EM expertise.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities for a Cryo-EM Scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory?
- As a Cryo-EM Scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, your key responsibilities will include operating and maintaining cryo-EM instruments, training and supporting users, collaborating on experimental design and optimization, and contributing to method development within the Laboratory for BioMolecular Structure (LBMS).
- What qualifications are required for the Cryo-EM Scientist position at Brookhaven National Laboratory?
- To be considered for the Cryo-EM Scientist role, you must possess a PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, biochemistry, biophysics) with at least two years of postdoctoral experience. Essential skills include effective communication, independent work capability, teamwork, organizational skills, and specific experience in cryo-EM instrumentation, sample preparation, data collection, or cryo-electron tomography.
- What is the salary range for the Cryo-EM Scientist position at Brookhaven National Laboratory?
- The salary range for this multi-level Cryo-EM Scientist position at Brookhaven National Laboratory is $103,000 to $138,000 per year. Your placement within this range will be determined by your experience, education, and qualifications.
- What advanced software or techniques are preferred for the Cryo-EM Scientist role?
- Preferred knowledge for the Cryo-EM Scientist role includes experience with single-particle image processing software like CryoSPARC or Relion, tomography image processing using IMOD or AreTomo, cryogenic sample preparation techniques such as cryo-FIB, and experience in a Linux/UNIX environment.
- Does Brookhaven National Laboratory require specific identification for site access for interviews?
- Yes, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel, including visitors and candidates for interviews, to produce REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation for site access due to federal requirements. Please review the requirements at www.bnl.gov/real-id before your visit.
- What is the work arrangement for the Cryo-EM Scientist position at Brookhaven National Laboratory?
- The position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to support continuous facility operations and user needs. While not explicitly stated as remote or hybrid, the operational demands suggest a significant on-site presence is necessary for equipment operation and user support.