The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a full time Assistant Project Scientist with an anticipated start date in early August 2020. The initial appointment will be for 1 year. The department is seeking an individual with a particular emphasis in the area of the application of biochemical and biophysical techniques to characterize soluble and membrane proteins.
In this position, the Assistant Project Scientist will perform a variety of tasks related to probing conformational signaling in bacterial transmembrane receptors. The Assistant Project Scientist will also be expected to design and optimize protocols to explore the interaction of various antibacterial toxin proteins with bacterial transmembrane proteins. The Assistant Project Scientist will be expected to work with collaborators based both on and off campus. The Assistant Project Scientist will manage and advise undergraduate volunteers and graduate students when required.
Basic qualifications: At the time of application, the applicant must have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or closely related field. The applicant must have 2 or more years of postdoctoral experience.
Additional qualifications: At the time of application, the applicant must have at least 5 years of prior experience related to the characterization of purified proteins. This experience must include the application of various techniques to acquire high purity protein from cellular sources. The applicant must be experienced with basic techniques associated with protein purification and characterization such as centrifugation, SDS-PAGE, column chromatography, and UV/VIS spectroscopy. Evidence of competency in these areas should be demonstrated by the submission of at least 2 publications derived from usage of these techniques.
Preferred qualifications: Candidates with a demonstrable background in membrane protein biochemistry are preferred. Thus, the preferred candidate will have a working knowledge of the unique techniques and materials required to purify and study this class of proteins. This position will require some manipulation of plasmid DNA for the expression of recombinant protein in bacterial strains. Thus, the preferred candidate will have experience with molecular cloning in bacterial systems. This position will require the use of various biophysical techniques to probe questions of protein structure, dynamics, and intermolecular interactions. Accordingly, the preferred candidate will have experience in at least some of the following protein characterization techniques: size exclusion chromatography coupled to multi angle light scattering (SEC-MALS), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), site-directed spin-labeling coupled to electron paramagnetic resonance (SDSL-EPR), multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), or circular dichroism (CD).
The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service as appropriate to the position.
Applications should be submitted electronically and must include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Name and contact information of references (3 required, additional 2 optional)
- Submission of 3 co-authored publications
Applications received by July 15, 2020 will be given priority but the position will remain open until filled. To apply, please visit https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF01818
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Posting period: July 1, 2020 - July 15, 2020
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