Details

Posted: 27-Oct-23

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Academic/Faculty
Pharmaceutical Sciences

Internal Number: 4731293

Postdoc Research Associate - College of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences - Villegas Lab
Postdoc Research Associate - College of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences - Villegas Lab
Hiring Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1021734
Posting Close Date: November 7, 2023
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent 'Best Colleges' rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
Description:
The Villegas Lab in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate for an NIH-funded project on HIV antiviral discovery.
Project Description:
Viruses are inanimate biomolecular assemblages constructed inside host cells for the tasks of transmission and infection. Despite the high degree of fidelity required to produce functional infectious particles, viruses are adept at developing resistance to natural and vaccine-induced immune responses through escape mutations.

We propose a transformative approach that aims to target large regions of viral fitness landscapes, with the goal of overcoming antiviral drug resistance. In this approach, various viral self-assembly signals will be exploited to induce the mis-assembly of viral components toward noninfectious endpoints. Computationally designed peptides will steer the self-assembly process toward trapped states accessible to large numbers of genetic variants. We will target three domains of the HIV Gag protein known to play distinct roles in viral assembly for directed mis-assembly by computationally designed peptides.

The resulting peptides will incorporate design elements that direct the trapping of viral components within one-dimensional fibers, two-dimensional arrays, and three-dimensional liquid condensates. Self-assembly will be monitored at the single-molecule level using Interferometric Mass Spectrometry, and at the bulk level with Bio-layer Interferometry and Dynamic Light Scattering, while Electron Microscopy and Fluorescence Microscopy will be used to visualize the induced assemblies. This project paves the way for development of antiviral therapies through mechanisms that pose high barriers to antiviral resistance.
Duties & Responsibilities

Keeping accurate record of the experiments suitable for writing manuscripts and grant proposals.

Synthesis and optimization of peptides targeting viral self-assembly signals.

Employ state-of-the-art techniques for protein expression, purification, and analysis, ensuring high-quality and reproducible results.

Employ advanced spectroscopic and microscopy techniques (e.g., Interferometric Mass Spectrometry, Bio-layer Interferometry, Dynamic Light Scattering, Electron Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy) to monitor and visualize peptide-induced viral assemblies at the single-molecule and bulk levels.

Analyze and interpret experimental data, keeping accurate record of the experiments suitable for writing manuscripts and grant proposals.

Stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field of HIV antiviral research, incorporating new methodologies and technologies when appropriate.

Write manuscripts and review articles related to research topics of the lab.

Mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students.

Present results at scientific meetings.

Participate in the weekly lab meetings, Journal Clubs and common seminars of the Department.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field with a strong focus on protein science and/or virology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven expertise in the expression and purification of recombinant proteins, preferably with experience in working with peptides.
• A solid understanding of virology, particularly HIV, and the molecular mechanisms underlying viral replication.
• Proficiency in various protein analytical techniques, such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and protein quantification methods.
• Experience with functional assays to assess intermolecular interactions of biomolecules is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Looking for more University of Illinois positions?
We invite you to search for positions at each of the University of Illinois locations, the University of Illinois System Office and the University of Illinois Foundation. The University of Illinois System Office supports the primary missions of teaching, research, public service, and economic development for all of the Universities and offers positions in all locations. The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving agency for the University of Illinois and also offers position in all locations. Click the links below to search for other University of Illinois positions.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Springfield
University of Illinois System Office
University of Illinois Foundation
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
To apply, visit https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/7234?c=uic
Copyright 2022 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-550c8c09d94b4d408419511189b1a515

Create a Job Alert for Similar Jobs
About University of Illinois - Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago is the city’s largest university and its only public Carnegie Research 1 institution. Its 16 academic colleges serve close to 34,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UIC is recognized as one of the best public universities and one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation, located in the heart of Chicago, it is an integral part of the city's educational, technological and cultural fabric.
Connections working at University of Illinois - Chicago
More Jobs from This Employer
https://main.hercjobs.org/jobs/19331231/postdoc-research-associate-college-of-pharmacy-pharmaceutical-sciences-villegas-lab
Return to Search Results