Staff Scientist - Structural BiologyJob ID5828LocationSLAC - Menlo Park, CAFull-TimeRegularSLAC Job PostingsPosition overview:The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is a national user facility, providing synchrotron radiation for research in biology, chemistry, catalysis, medical, environmental, and materials sciences. SSRL is seeking to hire a staff scientist to lead the setup and operation of a new high-throughput laboratory for structural biology research that will operate within the SSRL Structural Molecular Biology group. The staff scientist will conduct research, develop theories, and devise methods to apply scientific principles, theories and research in areas related to the application of biochemistry and structural biology techniques and the use of synchrotron radiation in biomedicine, bio-preparedness and the life sciences.The staff scientist will oversee the design, setup and operation of a high-throughput biochemistry laboratory optimized for structural biology-based research and drug design. The staff scientist will work with other scientists, programmers and engineers to develop new automation to streamline laboratory tasks and the logging, storage and transfer of sample/experimental information between stages of sample preparation and experiments. This includes collaborations to develop new sample handing devices and new technologies and related algorithms that eliminate manual laboratory steps and/or that speed the analysis of crystallization outcomes. The scientist will oversee the sample preparation portions of collaborative research projects and follow projects from the biochemistry laboratory onwards to the synchrotron for data collection, to data analysis and when necessary, back to the laboratory for sample optimization. The scientist will provide biochemistry-related advice to SMB and visiting researchers, mentor students, develop educational materials and teach workshops. The scientist will coordinate research efforts across diverse teams both inside and outside of SLAC that support the development and application of automated pipelines for crystallization and sample preparation for new structure determination, fragment-based drug design and high throughput ligand screening. The scientist will be involved in testing and providing feedback for developments in high-throughput data analysis and experimental automation. Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of the crystallography/fragment-based drug discovery process and will be an innovative team player with enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate must be highly organized, motivated, able to work independently, and have strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. The scientist is expected to engage in internship programs and university partnerships, to provide training opportunities, to help with grant proposals, to lead and collaborate in structure biology research projects, to publish scientific results in peer reviewer journals, and to regularly attend conferences to promote laboratory capabilities.Note : Appointment to the Staff Scientist level, a regular-continuing position, requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievements. Applicants will be evaluated for the proper level based on research experience and accomplishments in field of expertise.The specific responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
Lead the integration of automated laboratory instrumentation into larger automated pipelines for crystallization condition screening and fragment-compound screening for structural analysis using X-ray crystallography and for protein preparation for X-ray spectroscopic analysis.
Work on the development of high-throughput laboratory techniques including improved ways to simplify logging of project data, sample optimization, sample handling and data collection.
Record and transfer project/sample/experimental data between stages of larger experiments and work with programmers and engineers to streamline and automate these record keeping processes.
Work with engineers and developers to integrate and test new sample handling approaches and devices.
Develop protocols and optimize the use of fluid-handling robotics to prepare samples for x-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis.
Troubleshoot unsuccessful experimental outcomes and provide biochemistry and crystallography advice to researchers within SMB, collaborators and SSRL users.
Oversee the day-to-day operation of a biochemistry laboratory, including the maintenance and repair of equipment, maintaining stocks of needed supplies, and the proper application of safety protocols
Supervise laboratory technicians, research associates and other personnel.
Oversee the development of safe work practices for new laboratory tasks, working with SLAC safety officers and other team members.
Prepare protein solution samples for x-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis and crystallize proteins for macromolecular crystallography research.
Characterize and optimize protein purification for structural analysis.
Screen proteins to determine crystallization conditions and mount crystals for X-ray diffraction quality screening and data collection.
Collect X-ray diffraction data, process diffraction data. Solve and refine crystal structures.
Measure binding kinetics and design and perform enzyme activity assays.
Provide mentoring and guidance to students and new researchers. Write web-based directions and training materials.
Complete progress reports and help with writing proposals.
Present facility capabilities and research results at conferences and in publications. Organize and teach at training workshops.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
A PhD in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry or similar field with at least 4 years of relevant post-PhD experience.
Extensive experience in biochemistry wet laboratory experience in support of protein crystallography methods.
An understanding of key methodologies of fragment and structure-based drug design.
A strong work history in biochemistry and familiarity using various types of lab equipment, (including for chromatography, gel electrophoresis, BLI, fluid handling, crystal imagers).
Experience performing crystal seeding, crystal soaking and co-crystallization experiments with a variety of proteins and small molecule compounds.
Broad experience in protein expression from various types of cells (bacterial, insect, mammalian).
Experience purifying difficult recombinant proteins, including membrane proteins, from source cells and chromatography systems.
Knowledge of protein post-translation modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, etc.
Familiarity with crystal handling and data collection at synchrotron facilities.
Experience processing crystallography datasets and solving and refining crystallographic structures.
Working knowledge of modern medicinal chemistry and drug discovery techniques.
Experience determining protein kinetics.
Ability to write scientific papers describing new research and development.
Ability to work as part of a diverse team of scientists, technicians and programmers.
Experience presenting scientific results at conferences, seminars and in peer reviewed publications.
In addition, preferred requirements include experience in the following areas:
Project management and lab management experience.
Track record in antiviral and anti-cancer drug discovery.
Experience with other structural techniques including neutron diffraction, cryo-electron microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering and x-ray absorption spectroscopy.
Experience using the Blu-Ice/DCS beam line control software.
Experience using and maintaining the AKTA avant, ECHO 650, GatorBio Prime and ARI Gryphon instruments.
Knowledge of docking software such as DiffDock or AutoDock Vina.
Mentoring and hands-on teaching experience in a laboratory setting or laboratory technique targeted workshops.
SLAC employee competencies:
Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs and maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken presented messages.
Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
Physical requirements and working conditions:
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Work Standards:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for the environment, safety, and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1—General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
Classification Title: Staff Scientist
Grade: L Job code: 1093
Duration: Continuing
The expected pay range for this position is $131,000 - $204,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.
