Postdoctoral Researcher (Job #11663)

XFEL Biophysics Experimentalist

Department of Physics
Arizona State University

The Department of Physics at Arizona State University (ASU) seeks applicants for a postdoctoral position in the development of new sample-delivery methods for time-resolved X-ray diffraction of biological samples using X-ray free-electron lasers. The successful applicants will become part of an interdisciplinary team at ASU working on solving important biological questions using XFELs, funded by the NSF's  BioXFEL program, which supports this project at six campuses (see https://www.bioxfel.org ).

 

The successful candidate will work in a new well-supported laboratory under the direction of Professors Spence and Weierstall. The techniques of interest are mixing jets for both protein nanocrystals and solutions, and similar systems for snapshot solution scattering. A new two-photon 3D printer is available for this project with sub-micron spatial resolution, together with precision grinding facilities.

Essential Functions of the position:

-        Design, build and test sample-delivery nozzles which inject a controlled mixture of solution across the pulsed X-ray laser beam and similar for fast solution scattering. (see, for example, J. Synch. Rad. 21, 1364 (2014) for an example).

-        Assist with beamtime proposals and, where successful, attend beamtimes at XFELs such as the LCLS near Stanford to evaluate these devices.

-        Collaborate with BioXFEL scientists in  projects  related to the applicants interests.

Essential skills / qualifications

-        Recent PhD in experimental physics, engineering, biophysics, structural biology or related field.

-        Interest in design and development of new scientific instruments.

-        Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills (in English) necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.

Desired skills/experience

-        Practical experience in design and development of new scientific instruments.

To apply, please submit as a single PDF document: (1) a cover letter which includes the names and email addresses of three references, (2) a curriculum vitae with a list of publications.  PDF application materials should be submitted via the employment application portal found at https://physics.asu.edu/about/employment-opportunities

Applications will be reviewed beginning August 30, 2016; if not filled, every week thereafter until the search is closed.  A background check is required for employment. 

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
 https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html 
 https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/