Research Support Specialist II

Research Support Specialist II

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Research Support Specialist II
Lab of Atomic and Solid State Physics (LAASP)

Who We Are:

The Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics is under the umbrella of the Research Division, and is one of the two research arms of the Physics Department. LASSP has 30 faculty, 18 administrative & technical staff, 50-60 graduate students, and 50 other academic professionals (research associates, postdocs, visitors).

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

What You Will Do:

The Research Support Specialist supports technology development for x-ray and electron-based studies of biomolecular structure and function in Prof. Robert Thorne’s research group.

The successful candidate will support the development and application of instrumentation and methods for time-resolved crystallography, time-resolved cryo-EM, serial crystallography, and small- angle X-ray scattering for study of the structure and function of biomolecular systems. This work will be performed in the laboratory of Prof. Robert Thorne at Cornell University. Examples of the kind of work involved are described in IUCrJ 8, 784-792 (2021), IUCrJ 8, 867-877 (2021), Acta Cryst. D 7, 628-644 (2021), and Biophys. J. 104, 227-236 (2013). The methods and tools developed by Prof. Thorne’s research group are used by structural biologists around the world.

Cornell University has outstanding facilities to support this work, including the Cornell Nanofabrication Facility (https://www.cnf.cornell.edu/), the Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source (https://www.chess.cornell.edu/), an electron microscopy facility (https://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/category/user-instruments/electron-and-optical-microscopy/), and a well-quipped user machine shop (https://www.lassp.cornell.edu/facilities/machine-shop). All these facilities are staffed by professionals who can provide training and support. The successful candidate(s) will refine and acquire a large experimental skill set, equipping them to tackle challenging problems in biological science/technology and engineering.

Primary responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

• Design, construction, and testing of experimental apparatus, including plunge cooling systems for time-resolved crystallography and cryoSAXS, liquid deposition systems for time-resolved crystallography, sample supports for cryoSAXS, and apparatus for measuring small molecule diffusion times in protein crystals.
• Co-supervision of undergraduate and master’s students in design, construction, and testing of experimental apparatus and in preparation of samples for study.
• X-ray data collection at CHESS, and processing of collected data using standard SAXS software packages
• Assistance in writing of instruction manuals and journal articles based on designed apparatus and scientific results obtained using them.
• Coordinate group research activities with PI and postdoc(s).
• Provide lab introduction and safety training for new lab members, and serve as our lab safety contact.
• Present results of work at conferences.

This is a two-year term position with the possibility of extension based on funding and successful performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in physics, bio/biomedical engineering, applied physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, molecular biology or related fields, and at least 3 years’ experience working in a laboratory (including instructional laboratory) setting. Experience with CAD design, microfabrication, machining/3D printing, apparatus construction, interfacing and testing, optical system design and assembly, and programming for data collection and experimental control. Ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical and electronic equipment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse team of scientists including faculty, professional staff, students, and postdocs.
• Experience in X-ray science, vacuum science, cryogenics, microfabrication, and instrumentation design and construction.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or Ph.D. in physics, bio/biomedical engineering, applied physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, molecular biology or related fields.
• Experience with protein preparation and crystallization, synchrotron-based X-ray data collection, cryo-EM data collection, and biomolecular structural analysis and modeling.

For full consideration, please attach both a resume and cover letter to your application.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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