Biophysicist Research Scientist

$101,216 - $134,947/Yr

Molecular Foundry

Full-time - Senior

About the position

The Biophysicist Research Scientist position at Berkeley Lab's Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division focuses on developing and applying innovative data analysis methods for time-resolved diffraction studies of photosynthetic proteins and other enzyme systems. The role involves utilizing high-performance computing and machine learning algorithms to advance research in bioenergetics, particularly in the context of the water-splitting reaction in photosystem II. The position offers opportunities for collaboration, project management, and mentorship within a dynamic research environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply novel data analysis methods for time-resolved diffraction studies of photosynthetic proteins and other enzyme systems.
• Analyze and interpret time-resolved protein crystallography data obtained by XFEL experiments in conjunction with spectroscopic studies and molecular dynamics simulations.
• Develop software solutions to implement data analysis approaches and ensure user accessibility.
• Propose, execute, and manage synchrotron and XFEL experiments relevant to the DOE BES and NIH funded research.
• Analyze experimental data relevant to the Photosynthetic Systems program and collaborate with external researchers.
• Maintain and establish collaborations with experimental and computational scientists.
• Prepare publications, manage projects, and assist in grant writing in collaboration with PIs.
• Mentor junior members and students in new data analysis approaches.
• Develop new project directions and funding proposals to enhance the physical biosciences footprint.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Biophysics, Chemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Demonstrated programming experience in Python/C++ and other relevant languages for data analysis.
• Experience in large-scale data analyses at synchrotron and XFEL user facilities.
• Sound knowledge of structural and computational biology approaches, including protein crystal diffraction and molecular dynamics simulations.
• Broad knowledge of photosynthetic protein structures and energy-relevant metalloenzymes.
• Understanding of the water-splitting system in photosystem II and related metalloenzymes.
• Good understanding of bioenergetics, protein dynamics, and bioinorganic chemistry.
• Basic skills in applied mathematics, statistics, and machine learning methods.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and record-keeping skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience in presenting findings and publishing results.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse teams.

Nice-to-haves

• A Ph.D. in Biophysics, Chemistry, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience in experimental synchrotron and XFEL sciences.
• Ability to write proposals for access to user facilities and contribute to funding proposals.
• Ability to identify limitations in current data analysis practices and propose solutions.
• Ability to connect physical principles and simulations with experimental data.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation program
• Excellent health and welfare programs
• Retirement program
• Outstanding development opportunities