Postdoctoral Research Associate – Metabolic analysis of plants engineered to accumulate lipids - Brookhaven National Laboratory

Researchers in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory 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 make use of the tools and techniques of biochemistry, molecular genetics, structural biology, cell biology, and bioimaging. We also leverage the unique capabilities of Brookhaven’s National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Laboratory for Biomolecular Structure (LBMS) cryo-EM facility, 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 Sciences and the DOE Office of Biological and Environmental Research. In addition, together with the Collider-Accelerator Department, the Biology Department manages the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven, which is used by radiobiologists and physicists to study the effects of space radiation on both living and non-living systems.

A postdoctoral position is available immediately at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Biology Department under the supervision of Dr. Jorg Schwender. The successful candidate will conduct research within a DOE-funded Bioenergy Center aimed at designing feedstock plants for biofuel production and bioproducts, the Center for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) headed by the University of Illinois. CABBI operates on a "plants-as-factories" principle, wherein biofuels are synthesized directly within plant stems. Our collaborative team, comprising various organizations, is committed to metabolic engineering of plants, adhering to a Design-Build-Test-Learn methodology for integrated research. Within the Schwender group, the primary objective is to assess the outcomes of metabolic engineering endeavors aimed at enhancing lipid accumulation in plants. This evaluation involves the application of systems biology tools and isotope tracer studies to comprehensively understand and optimize lipid biosynthesis pathways. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Candidates with skills that are appropriate for this project (as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and/or relevant meeting presentations) are highly encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform biochemical and chemical analysis to determine the consequences of various genetic manipulations of metabolism.
• Integrate and interpret gene expression and other omics data.
• Devise strategies to redirect carbon from sugars into desired product.
• Collaborate with researchers from our partner institutions.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in either of the fields of plant biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering with emphasis on metabolic engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge in plant metabolism
• Skills in Bioinformatics
• Proven ability for disseminating research results by writing manuscripts and giving academic presentations.
• Research experience demonstrated through a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge in plant lipid metabolism
• Programming skills (MatLab, Python)
• Knowledge of and experience in stable isotope tracer experiments and metabolic flux analysis
• Experience in plant cultivation in growth chambers of green house space.
• Experience in the use of gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry or Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Candidates should submit a CV, a brief description of how their research experience relates to this position (less than 200 words) in a cover letter and contact information for three references.
• Review of applications begins immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• Initial 1-year appointment subject to annual renewal contingent on performance and funding.
• Please contact Jorg Schwender (schwend@bnl.gov) if you have any questions.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. in plant biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering with emphasis on metabolic engineering within the last five years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of employment.
• 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.
• This is a fully onsite position located at BNL.