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Postdoctoral Fellow
Postdoc, Membrane Protein Structural Biology Full-time
The Position
A Postdoctoral position is available in the Vecchio Lab at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln (UNL) for an NIH-funded project that extends to 2025. The project aims to clarify the structural biology of human membrane proteins and membrane protein complexes involved in epithelial cell/cell adhesion and intercellular transport using X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), microcrystal electron diffraction (microED), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The Fellow will be responsible for the expression, purification, and structure determination of these membrane proteins and complexes, which are <100kD. Other activities of the position include assisting with lab organization and operation, student and other personnel training, and grant proposal development and writing, including post-doc fellowships.
The Candidate
Will have a Ph.D. in structural biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in membrane protein preparation and handling and one structural biology technique. Such a candidate will be enabled to make immediate and impactful contributions to the lab and field, as we have an established and well-characterized system up and running. The candidate should also possess effective written, verbal, and listening skills.
The Lab
The Vecchio Lab is housed in the Department of Biochemistry on the UNL City Campus. We are a 5-member multidisciplinary group with expertise in X-ray crystallography, membrane protein biochemistry and biophysics, and have established collaborators with expertise in cryo-EM, microED, and SAXS. Our technologies include: FSEC, CD, DSC, ITC, MST, BLI, and we have capabilities in detergents, nanodiscs, saposin, amphipols, and SMALPs. The neighboring Structure Core houses an Art Robbins Gryphon robot for VD and LCP crystallization, a CrysCam UV imager with Cy3 filter, 4 incubators ranging from 4-20°C, and an in-house Rigaku X-ray source and detector. We have regular beam time access to the BioCAT SAXS beamline at APS, and SSRL and APS for X-ray diffraction experiments. We also have access to cryo-EM facilities, including the Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM, which possesses 200 and 300 keV microscopes.
About UNL, Lincoln, and Nebraska
UNL is a Carnegie designated R1 Research University (very high), the flagship of the NU system with 26,000+ students, and a member of the Big10 Academic Alliance. Nebraska ranks #9 in The Best States Ranking (US News and World Report) and #17 in America’s Best States to Live In (MSN). Lincoln is Nebraska’s capital, the 2nd most populated NE city and the 70th most populated in the US (320,000 people). Lincoln offers a low cost of living; low unemployment, crime, and poverty rates; great public schools, housing affordability, and bike infrastructure; high quality of life; and wide-open spaces. It’s a fantastic place to raise a family, own a home, go for a bike ride, and maintain a work-life balance. And oh, the sunsets!
To Apply
Interested applicants can apply by emailing Dr. Vecchio using “Postdoc: Vecchio Lab” in the Subject. Please send a CV containing contact info for 3 references and a cover letter addressing: 1) reason for applying, 2) past and current research experience, 3) future research/science/career ambitions (non-academic welcome), and 4) training and mentoring expectations. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.