Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbe-Mineral Interactions

NSLS-II is a state-of-the-art synchrotron facility providing world-class X-ray imaging and spectroscopy capabilities. The Bioimaging Team works at the interface of biology, chemistry, and environmental science, leveraging cutting-edge instrumentation to resolve biological processes at nanometer to micron scales.

This position offers access to advanced beamlines, high-performance computing resources, and collaborative opportunities with national laboratory scientists and external scientists.

Position Description:

The Bioimaging Team at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate microbe–mineral interactions with a focus on critical minerals.

This position offers a unique opportunity to integrate advanced synchrotron-based imaging and spectroscopy with multi-omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) to uncover molecular mechanisms governing microbial transformations of critical minerals in natural and engineered systems.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of scientists working at the forefront of bioimaging and environmental systems science.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experiments to elucidate microbial interactions with critical mineral phases under environmentally relevant conditions

• Investigate transcriptomic and genomic responses to fungi-mineral interactions for nutrient uptake

• Apply synchrotron-based techniques (e.g., X-ray fluorescence microscopy, XANES/EXAFS,) to characterize mineral speciation, spatial distributions, and microbe–mineral interfaces.

• Integrate imaging and omics datasets to identify molecular pathways involved in mineral solubilization, biomineralization, sorption, and redox transformations

• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant Biology or a closely related field

• Demonstrated experience in omics approaches, including:

  • Genomics and transcriptomics

  • Proteomics (sample preparation, LC-MS/MS, data interpretation)

• Experience with bioinformatics tools

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with synchrotron-based techniques or advanced microscopy.

• Experience integrating multi-modal datasets (omics + imaging/spectroscopy).

• Programming experience (e.g., Python, R, or similar tools for data analysis

Additional Information:

• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.  
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining their 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.
• Initial 2-year term appointment subject to renewal based on performance and funding.
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $78,000 - $100,000/ year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience.  Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

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