Research Assistant / Researcher / Scientist
Research Associate II Full-time
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Principle Investigator, the Research Associate II performs a variety of research experiments on a range of biochemical (enzymatic), biophysical and structural biology (x-ray; Cryo-EM) characterization of proteins pertinent to the interests of the research programs of the laboratory.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Research:
Design and implement experiments to further ongoing research projects, in consultation with the principal investigator.
Responsible for data acquisition, data analysis, and presentation of research results.
Organize and analyze data acquired in the course of research projects.
Prepare and present data for publication in public forums.
Specific expertise in the study of enzymes is required including:
Preparation of large milligram quantities of purified proteins that are amenable to protein crystallography.
Engineering proteins to optimize expression and probe specific aspects of activity.
Designing and optimizing well controlled enzymatic assays – including acquiring, processing, analyzing and preparing for public presentation (grants/seminars/articles) the data.
Measuring kcat / Km and Kd by kinetic (fluorescent anisotropy) or thermodynamic (isothermal titration calorimetry) assays.
Crystallization of apo and liganded proteins – with either substrates or inhibitors that are of quality for crystallographic studies.
Mentorship:
Train and supervise junior lab personnel, ensuring staff is trained in current methodology and safety procedures in the laboratory.
Participate regularly in laboratory meetings.
Provide support for under-represented minorities scholars.
Ensure researchers in the laboratory are aware of the experimental nuances and potential risks of their experiments – that they are using the optimal approach to obtain quality data.
Coordinate the protein expression – crystallization efforts with regard to the various ongoing projects in the lab.
Laboratory Operations:
Lead and coordinate the general operation of the laboratory.
Maintaining records and samples of generated lab reagents: strains, plasmids, proteins and data.
Maintain standard operating procedure of laboratory protocols and best practices.
Run the lab in a positive supportive manner.
Daily ordering of supplies, organizing lab supplies.
Interface with vendors both around purchases and service contracts.
Perform routine maintenance on specialized laboratory equipment and interface with vendors.
Provide Departmental Support for shared instrumentation (ITC) and as part of the Structure Based Drug Design Core.
Interface with collaborators across the University and around the Country.
Perform other duties as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in a Biological Science, or equivalent degree
5 years of research experience.
Familiarity with general laboratory procedures.
Expertise in specific procedures and instrumentation necessary to complete specific research programs.
Current knowledge of pertinent literature.
Oral and written communication and presentation skills
Ability to travel to off-site locations