Research Associate - Protein Engineering in the Advanced Protein Therapeutics Facility

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate - Protein Engineering in the Advanced Protein Therapeutics Facility

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Hiring Department:

McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Nov 30, 2027

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose

We seek a Ph.D.-level scientist or engineer with 2+ years of post-doctoral research experience to drive specific cancer therapy projects forward and support the Advanced Protein Therapeutics (APT) Facility across our portfolio. The APT Facility is within Jennifer Maynard’s laboratory in the department of Chemical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Literature research and development of experimental strategies to meet goals as set by APT leadership.

• Execution of project-specific experiments including cloning, protein expression, RNA extraction, high-throughput sequencing, cell culture (bacterial, yeast, mammalian), protein library design, construction, & screening, protein characterization (thermal stability, ELISA, BLI, SPR, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, etc), cellular assays, and syngeneic mouse models.

• Maintain detailed records of work performed, organization of items generated and development of SOPs. Prepare manuscripts for publication and data reports for sharing with scientists and collaborators. Assist with grant writing to move projects to the next level as needed.

• Provide support for general lab activities, including teaching and mentoring less experienced researchers, developing new assays, and maintaining equipment.

• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. in a relevant science/engineering discipline (e.g., biotechnology, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering) and academic research experience in a relevant lab environment. We seek an enthusiastic and creative scientist/engineer passionate about developing anti-cancer therapeutics. The successful candidate will be able to devise strategies to engineer and evaluate antibodies and other protein therapies against a given target, present these strategies, incorporate feedback, and design experimental systems to carry out the agreed upon strategies. Training in specific techniques will be provided as needed. This individual will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as time management, organization and record keeping practices. They will also have the ability to work independently and creatively, with strong problem-solving skills that use quantitative strategies to plan experiments and analyze data. They will also be highly communicative and take initiative in communicating with others. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of programs, PyMol or equivalent, Benchling or equivalent, GraphPad or equivalent are required. The ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment is also required.

Preferred Qualifications

A Ph.D. degree and research experience in cancer biology or virology with relevant experience in mammalian cell culture and assay development is preferred. Other relevant experience includes cloning, protein production and characterization, and library design, construction, and screening. Specific experience with FPLC purification, measurement of protein-protein binding kinetics (ELISA, biolayer interferometry, surface plasmon resonance), protein engineering platforms (phage, yeast and/or mammalian libraries), flow cytometry, high throughput sequencing preparation and post-sequencing analysis, confocal microscopy, cellular assays for immune functions using cell lines and PBMCs, and animal models of cancer are all highly relevant skills that will be taken into account during hiring. We are seeking bright, engaged, and considerate researchers above all else, so please consider applying if you lack some specific experience but are otherwise qualified.

Salary Range

$70,000+ depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

May work around biosafety hazards and chemicals. May work around standard office conditions with repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. Laboratory work requires manual dexterity and mobility.  Occasional evening or weekend work likely.

Required Materials

In addi