Postdoctoral Research Associate

JOB SUMMARY

The Murray Lab in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join our team in the investigation of biomolecular condensates. The laboratory uses a variety of experimental biophysical tools to investigate the microscopic, atomic resolution, and underpinnings of functional and pathogenic protein and nucleic acid assemblies at macroscopic length scales. A successful candidate will join our growing research team and lead two research projects about the molecular mechanisms of biomolecular assembly for RNA granule proteins and intermediate filament proteins. The position is NIH-funded (R35GM142892).

The Murray Lab is excited about our recent relocation to UConn and is looking for an eager individual to join our team and expand our research operations at the new location. We have exciting new results that are not formal preprints but will be described during a potential interview. Some of our published work is linked below.

RNA Granule Proteins:

• https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.27.601048v1
• https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.2c08596
• https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.1c02424

Intermediate Filament Proteins:

• https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.30.596698v1
• https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2010000117
• https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2022121118

The Murray Lab has access to cryo-electron microscopy instrumentation through the recently installed Tundra microscope at UConn Health and nearby Titan Krios-equipped facilities like the NYSBC national center. UConn is home to a wide range of other core facilities for biophysical characterization. Access to high-field NMR instruments for solid and solution state samples at UConn Storrs and UConn Health. Magic angle spinning instruments include the installation of a 700 MHz with several room temperature probes this fall and the installation of an additional 700 MHz spectrometer with a cryogenic MAS probe in 2025. Solution state instruments include 800, 600, and 500 MHz spectrometers with cryogenic probes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Characterize protein structure at or near atomic resolution using a major structural biology tool (cryo-electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, solution-state NMR, or crystallography).
• Prepare samples from bacterial and/or eukaryotic expression systems (chromatography, electrophoresis, spectroscopy, bright field imaging, and negative stain electron microscopy).
• Analyze and present results (draft manuscripts, prepare group meeting discussions, and prepare progress reports).
• Review literature and assist with experimental design.
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students and laboratory technicians.
• Assist the principal investigator with the daily operations of the laboratory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ph.D. in Biophysics or related field (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Molecular Biology).
2. Demonstrated ability to lead a research project.
3. High research productivity level.
4. Strong written and oral communication skills.
5. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience with either NMR, cryo-electron microscopy, or crystallography to characterize protein structure and/or dynamics at atomic resolution.
2. Experience handling proteins prone to biomolecular condensation.
3. Experience using prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms to produce recombinant proteins in milligram-scale quantities at exceptional purity.
4. Experience analyzing and presenting scientific data with a programming language like Python.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, grant-funded, 12-month position. This position is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and budget funding. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal ba