Staff Research Associate
Job Summary:
We are studying the structure, function, and regulation of membrane proteins, and the molecular origins of toxin resistance in poison animals. We are pursuing studies to develop systems for the overexpression and purification of eukaryotic membrane proteins, toxin receptors, and antibodies and nanobodies that target these proteins.
The individual hired will be involved in the investigation of the mechanisms of toxin resistance in amphibians with an emphasis on protein expression, purification, and characterization methods for both soluble and membrane proteins. The work is primarily focused on the development of systems for protein expression, purification, and protein chemistry studies.
The duties will include, but are not limited to basic performing molecular biology experiments, protein expression of antibodies, nanobodies, toxin receptors, and membrane proteins in a variety of cellular systems, protein purification and characterization, protein crystallization, preparation of samples for cryo-electronmicroscopy, and assistance in toxin resistance experiments using mice and amphibians. This position will also include some administrative work to aid in the smooth operation of the lab. Duties include aiding in lab organization, order placement, and participating in the general care and maintenance of equipment.
Department Description:
The primary mission of the Cardiovascular Research Institute, the largest organized research unit on the San Francisco campus, is to promote fundamental and clinical research on the cardiovascular and pulmonary respiratory systems and to provide opportunities for postdoctoral training in these fields. With over 200 faculty, staff, and postdoctoral fellows, the CVRI supports faculty from a variety of departments (Medicine, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Lab Medicine, Pediatrics, Anatomy, Anesthesia, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Physiology, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology). The total extramural funding is $34 million annually (direct and indirect costs), with $1M in indirect cost return, and $561K in State funds. Assets include $38 million in endowment income and gifts, $3M in clinical reserves, and $5.8M in opportunity funds.
Required Qualifications:
SRA I:
- BA/BS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell biology, or Chemistry or a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Knowledge or experience in basic laboratory skills: molarity calculations, accurate solution formulation, pH determination, maintenance of accurate notebooks, basic microbiological skills
- Knowledge or experience in molecular biology: bacterial transformation, PCR, cloning, sub-cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, preparation and manipulation of DNA, DNA quantitation, agarose gel electrophoresis
- Knowledge or experience in protein expression: transformation, transfection, centrifugation, and SDS-PAGE, western blotting. Experience with column chromatography, detergents, and protein concentration, protein concentration determination, experience with Äkta Unicorn software for FLPC management
- Knowledge or experience in protein crystallization: purification of proteins, purification and concentration of protein samples, setting and optimizing protein crystallization screens, defining crystallizable constructs using limited proteolysis, experience with structure determination software (ex. PHENIX)
- Knowledge or experience in cell culture experience using eukaryotic cell lines
- Team player with good communication and interpersonal skills. Willingness to learn and motivated to succeed
SRA II: In addition to above,
- BA/BS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell biology, or Chemistry or a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
Note: Classification and salary will depend on the qualifications of the applicant.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Animal handling skills: prior experience handling rodents or amphibians