Staff Scientist

About the Work Unit:

The Kuriyan lab studies the structural mechanisms of the protein switches that carry out cellular signal transduction. We use biochemical, biophysical, structural, and cell biological analyses to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of how proteins function and also study how these mechanisms change with evolution. Aberrant signaling from these molecular switches underlies the onset of many human diseases, including several types of cancers. The Kuriyan lab is actively pursuing innovative approaches to modulate the functions of these targets and to advance the development of better therapeutics. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

The individual is expected to support research activities that include but are not limited to: molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, biochemical and biophysical assay development, cellular analysis, and general laboratory operations support. 

The ideal candidate would have prior laboratory experience working in biochemistry or related fields. The ability to operate independently, as well as part of a team, is critical.

Preferred experience and skills:

• Molecular cloning to prepare various constructs and variants of the proteins of interest with suitable vectors, for recombinant protein expression and various assays

• Maintenance of mammalian and insect cell lines

• Develop and conduct cell-based assays, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), to study the function of a large number of variants of the proteins of interest

• Recombinant protein expression using mammalian or insect cells

• Protein purification using centrifugation, affinity chromatography, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography 

• Biochemical and biophysical assay development to measure protein activity, protein-protein, and protein-small molecule interactions

General duties in laboratory research and development:      

• Provide technical support for different projects in the lab

• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions

• Collect, record, organize, and verify the accuracy of experimental data

• Perform data analysis and prepare charts, graphs, and reports for data presentation

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

Education and Certifications: Profile of an Ideal Candidate

PhD in physical or biological sciences is required.

Qualifications:

• At least five years of post-graduate experience required. 
• Laboratory experience in proteomics, biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology is required

• Experience with organization, inventory, and record-keeping is preferred

Skills:

• Strong organizational skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent team player