RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Mravic Lab

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POSITION TITLE:  Research Assistant I

POSITION SUMMARY:

Perform a variety of routine scientific tasks; may prepare test specimens; set up and operate standard lab equipment of moderate complexity.

The Mravic Lab is a molecular biophysics and protein engineering laboratory seeking to hire a highly motivated full-time Research Technician to perform cutting-edge molecular characterization of synthetic transmembrane proteins designed by computational tools for biotechnology applications. 

The scientist will train and execute a suite of experimental techniques to produce then study the biochemical structure and function of computationally designed proteins.  This will include enacting lab standard protocols, fast-paced adaptation to optimize or troubleshoot techniques to new challenges, and developing new laboratory procedures under guidance of senior scientists.  The research is multi-disciplinary in nature, thus the ability to adapt and a willingness to learn new methods are essential.  Additional opportunities for training in computational biology and characterization of synthetic proteins within living cells may be available for those candidates with previous skills in coding and mammalian cell culture, respectively. 

 RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

General  

• Perform research and conduct a wide variety of standard non-repetitive laboratory procedures under minimal supervision, independently and in collaboration with others.
• Record and analyze data, and interpret results
• Investigate, troubleshoot and modify methods and procedures as necessary; may assist in designing experiments
• Perform laboratory support tasks for the group and project: routine equipment maintenance, preparing common reagents, organization, ordering materials, etc.
• Details of essential functions for this position will be discussed during the interview process
• Impeccable record keeping via laboratory notebook documentation and data management
• Contribute to academic research publications; preparing manuscript figures, writing methodology sections, and supplemental material

Technical  

• Molecular biology, DNA cloning, transformation of laboratory e. coli strains
• Recombinant expression and purification of synthetic transmembrane proteins in aqueous detergent conditions: His-tag, Ion exchange, Size-exclusion FPLC
• Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of proteins / peptide in organic solvent
• Analytical characterization of proteins / peptides: SDS-PAGE, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS), western blot, fluorescence spectroscopy
• Biophysical / biochemical assays e.g. characterization of protein-protein interactions
• Protein crystallography with assistance of high-throughput robotics; X-ray synchrotron experiments at national laboratory particle accelerators
• Preparation of samples for structural biology: Cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline
• Requires 1-3 years experience. Candidates possessing a Master’s degree, 0-2 years experience required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s or Masters degree in biochemistry, bioengineering, chemistry, molecular biology, or related field.
• Undergraduate level understanding of molecular biology and protein chemistry
• Previous experience with DNA cloning and expression, purification, and analytical characterization of protein / peptide molecules in a research laboratory setting
• Strong preference for candidates with background with protein chemistry, membrane proteins, and/or protein crystallography