Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc
MacCHESS Staff Scientist
Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc, Northeast Ithaca, New York, United States
The Role
The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) seeks a Ph.D.-level scientist to join the Flexible Macromolecular Crystallography (FlexX) station supporting a vibrant structural biology community. The role blends (1) expert user support for routine and advanced macromolecular crystallography (MX) and (2) collaborative development of new X‑ray diffraction capabilities for questions that push beyond standard methods.
Recent FlexX advances—now available to users and still being refined—include fixed‑target serial crystallography, support for diffuse scattering experiments, and a diamond anvil cell (DAC) designed for MX.
Priority application areas include:
Ambient‑temperature crystallography, including serial approaches
High‑pressure methods (DAC and high‑pressure cryocooling), especially to trap intermediates in crystallo
Extreme biology conditions (e.g., anoxic, high/low salinity or pH, specific metals)
Diffuse scattering to probe conformational ensembles and molecular motions
Future development of time‑resolved and dynamic MX, building on existing capabilities and collaborative partnerships
The scientist will also occasionally assist at the MacCHESS BioSAXS station and contribute to cross‑beamline user support and methods development.
This position is jointly funded by two CHESS sub‑facilities: the NSF‑funded Center for High‑Energy X‑ray Sciences at CHESS (CHEXS, an NSF‑supported program) and the Macromolecular Diffraction Facility of the Cornell High‑Energy Synchrotron Source (MacCHESS, an NIH‑supported National Resource). The role involves collaborative projects and beamline/user support across both programs.
Responsibilities
Support an active user community, including in‑person and remote users from NSF, NIH, Industry and Academia, who are engaged in employing X‑ray techniques to characterize a variety of biological systems.
Creatively contribute to the development of new MX synchrotron methods and techniques, from experimental hardware to data reduction and analysis required by users.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders, including facility users, funding agencies, and collaborators at other institutions. This includes promoting and disseminating MacCHESS/CHEXS developments and capabilities to the structural biology community.
Maintain an individual record of scholarship and contribute to the scholarly output of the lab through internal research highlights, publications in peer‑reviewed journals, grant and report writing, and presentations at national and international conferences.
Mentor students and postdoctoral researchers in synchrotron and MX techniques.
Essential Qualifications
PhD or equivalent in structural biology, biophysics, chemistry, or a related field and 4‑5 years post‑PhD experience.
Interest and ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Solid record of scientific publications and achievement.
Passion for contributing to an environment that builds individual and organizational effectiveness.
Ability to communicate effectively with technical experts, operations staff, and researchers at all levels, including students, postdocs, interns, and facility users.
Experience with complex experimental instrumentation.
Proficiency in science communication, written and oral, formal and informal.
Preference will be given to applicants with a background in macromolecular crystallography and/or biological high‑pressure studies, including experience in serial MX methods and/or biological high‑pressure studies, particularly geared toward structural biology and involving scattering or diffraction techniques—especially at large user facilities. Experience analyzing large experimental datasets is also an asset.
Compensation The salary range for this research associate position is $95,000 to $115,000. The initial appointment is for three years and can be renewed based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
How To Apply Applications should be submitted online via Academic Jobs Online at
https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30863
and should include the following materials:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
List of publications
Statement of Research summarizing examples of recent research, and areas of interest for future work, especially involving synchrotron radiation and MX science and/or high‑pressure biology
Three letters of recommendation
Contact For further information about the position, please contact MacCHESS CHEXS Program Director Jennifer Wierman (jlw352@cornell.edu).
About Us Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Cornell's inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far‑flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.
EEO Statement Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‐class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
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Recent FlexX advances—now available to users and still being refined—include fixed‑target serial crystallography, support for diffuse scattering experiments, and a diamond anvil cell (DAC) designed for MX.
Priority application areas include:
Ambient‑temperature crystallography, including serial approaches
High‑pressure methods (DAC and high‑pressure cryocooling), especially to trap intermediates in crystallo
Extreme biology conditions (e.g., anoxic, high/low salinity or pH, specific metals)
Diffuse scattering to probe conformational ensembles and molecular motions
Future development of time‑resolved and dynamic MX, building on existing capabilities and collaborative partnerships
The scientist will also occasionally assist at the MacCHESS BioSAXS station and contribute to cross‑beamline user support and methods development.
This position is jointly funded by two CHESS sub‑facilities: the NSF‑funded Center for High‑Energy X‑ray Sciences at CHESS (CHEXS, an NSF‑supported program) and the Macromolecular Diffraction Facility of the Cornell High‑Energy Synchrotron Source (MacCHESS, an NIH‑supported National Resource). The role involves collaborative projects and beamline/user support across both programs.
Responsibilities
Support an active user community, including in‑person and remote users from NSF, NIH, Industry and Academia, who are engaged in employing X‑ray techniques to characterize a variety of biological systems.
Creatively contribute to the development of new MX synchrotron methods and techniques, from experimental hardware to data reduction and analysis required by users.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders, including facility users, funding agencies, and collaborators at other institutions. This includes promoting and disseminating MacCHESS/CHEXS developments and capabilities to the structural biology community.
Maintain an individual record of scholarship and contribute to the scholarly output of the lab through internal research highlights, publications in peer‑reviewed journals, grant and report writing, and presentations at national and international conferences.
Mentor students and postdoctoral researchers in synchrotron and MX techniques.
Essential Qualifications
PhD or equivalent in structural biology, biophysics, chemistry, or a related field and 4‑5 years post‑PhD experience.
Interest and ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Solid record of scientific publications and achievement.
Passion for contributing to an environment that builds individual and organizational effectiveness.
Ability to communicate effectively with technical experts, operations staff, and researchers at all levels, including students, postdocs, interns, and facility users.
Experience with complex experimental instrumentation.
Proficiency in science communication, written and oral, formal and informal.
Preference will be given to applicants with a background in macromolecular crystallography and/or biological high‑pressure studies, including experience in serial MX methods and/or biological high‑pressure studies, particularly geared toward structural biology and involving scattering or diffraction techniques—especially at large user facilities. Experience analyzing large experimental datasets is also an asset.
Compensation The salary range for this research associate position is $95,000 to $115,000. The initial appointment is for three years and can be renewed based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
How To Apply Applications should be submitted online via Academic Jobs Online at
https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30863
and should include the following materials:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
List of publications
Statement of Research summarizing examples of recent research, and areas of interest for future work, especially involving synchrotron radiation and MX science and/or high‑pressure biology
Three letters of recommendation
Contact For further information about the position, please contact MacCHESS CHEXS Program Director Jennifer Wierman (jlw352@cornell.edu).
About Us Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Cornell's inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far‑flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.
EEO Statement Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‐class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr