Research Associate – Structural Biologist Full-time

Research Associate – Structural Biologist

Carry out research in structural biology and biochemistry of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes and their nucleic acid complexes.

Responsibilities:

• Express, purify, and characterize full-length and deletion constructs of group II intron and other non-LTR retroelement reverse transcriptase and related proteins for structural analysis and biotechnological applications using Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography FPLC and other methods. Characterize wild-type and mutant proteins biochemically via enzymatic assays and determine conditions for obtaining diffraction quality crystals and/or for cryo-electron microscopy analysis of proteins and protein/nucleic acid complexes. Carry out biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Obtain structures of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes and their nucleic acid-protein complexes by X-ray diffraction and/or cryo-EM structures.
• Write manuscripts and assist in the preparation of reports, abstracts, manuscripts and proposals. Make presentations at lab meetings. Attend lab meetings and other meetings. Order chemicals and supplies specific to current project.
• Provide instruction, assistance and mentoring to graduate students.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in structural biology and/or biochemistry with demonstrated productivity in these areas.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in structural biology and/or biochemistry with at least three years' experience and demonstrated research productivity on enzymes that bind nucleic acids and/or protein-nucleic acid complexes

Salary Range

$62,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Personal protection equipment (furnished)
• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around bio-hazards
• May work around chemicals

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin
• Letter of interest