Postdoctoral Fellowship in Structural Mass Spectrometry

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division (MBIB) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct structural characterization of antibody-antigen complexes using the method of X-ray footprinting mass spectrometry.

In this exciting role, you will help develop a rapid pipeline for epitope and paratope mapping, with the goal of providing fast response to emerging viral threats. You will work closely with structural biology scientists primarily in the area of X-ray footprinting and interface with experts in small angle X-ray scattering and protein crystallography. You will present results to project team members, the wider scientific community, and be expected to prepare first-author research papers. You will have the opportunity to learn new structural biology methods and help determine future research directions for the group.

This position has an anticipated start date of March 3, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Prepare and process samples for X-ray irradiation using standard molecular biology methods such as gels, buffer dialysis, and enzymatic digestion.
• Perform X-ray irradiation at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) X-ray footprinting beamline.
• Perform Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) on digested protein samples.
• Develop and troubleshoot new LCMS methods as needed.
• Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and tracking spreadsheets.
• Communicate research progress within the groups and report results externally through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering or a related discipline.
• Experience with molecular biology including wet lab skills in handling and preparing protein samples.
• Experience running LCMS data acquisition, analyzing LCMS peptide, and/or protein data.
• Experience with basic protein characterization methods such as CD and UV-vis.
• Demonstrated analytical skills including solving problems, developing scientific ideas, and meeting research goals. 
• Strong organizational skills including experience maintaining detailed and accurate records of experiment results and analyzed data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience organizing/presenting technical reports, successful record of first-author publications, and presenting at conferences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience conducting experiments independently and collaborating with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Expertise in proteomics.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing your interest by January 31, 2025.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,562 - $7,003 and is expected to start at $5,841 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• 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 onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.