Job Description

Job Description Summary / TWC Summary
Under direct supervision of U54 grant PIs/PD and Research Infrastructure Core Director conducts biomedical studies in Infectious Diseases Drug Discovery Laboratory within the Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research (CBMHR). Specifically, responsible for biochemical assays such as protein purification, x-ray crystallization, imaging, and data analysis; operating and maintaining instruments; providing service and technical support to internal and external users; providing direct support to the CBMHR leadership, faculty, users, and staff members; submitting reports, publishing, and presenting data, and applying for funding.
Duties assigned to this title will require an in-depth knowledge of pharmacology, although other research areas in Biology or Chemistry will be considered. The duties will require some publication experience, the exercise of independent discretion and judgment in carrying out research activities, the development of methods of research, and mentoring of students.

This is a Grant Funded position.
Essential Duties Summary
Responsible for the crystallization and the structure determination of protein-small molecule and protein-protein complexes by X-ray crystallography and cryoEM.
Cloning, over-expression and protein purification.
Work will include construct design, biochemical and biophysical characterization, crystallization, X-ray data collection, structure determination, and analysis.
Be a member of the drug discovery team in CBMHR, working closely with computational chemists on structure-based drug design approaches for small molecule agent optimization.
The candidate will be expected to be able to participate in experimental design and to conduct experiments in a priority-driven environment independently.
Evaluating therapeutics mechanism of action, using biochemical and pharmacological assays.
Complies, writes, and effectively communicates project results to the principal investigator.
Designs, develops, and maintains equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
Reviews scientific literature.
Assist PIs in progress report of various projects and progress reports.
Publish data, presents at conferences and seeks external funding.
Train undergraduate and Graduate students in research skills.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Conducts innovative scientific investigation by developing theories and devising scientific methods and procedures to apply scientific principles, theories, and research.
% FTE
1.0
Hiring Range Commensurate with experience.
Education
Doctoral degree in structural biology, protein biochemistry/biophysics, crystallography, or related biomedical science-related field.
Required Licensing/Certification
N/A
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
• Biostatistical analysis supporting pharmaceutical research.
• Technical and functional principles and procedures.
• Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications.
Skill in:
• Detail oriented.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Multitasking and time management.
• Writing documents.
• Both verbal and written communication.
Ability to:
• Operating software.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of 2 years of experience in biomedical research. Experience protein purification, cell lines in tissue culture, experience with microscopy and imaging will be a great advantage.

Preferred experience with cell culture, analytical instrumentation, pharmacology.
Working/Environmental Conditions
Work is performed within routine office environment with no exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions. Physical demands are usually limited to sitting or standing in one location much of the time. Some stooping, lifting, or carrying objects of light weight may be required.