Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biophysics Core

Hiring Department: OVCR - RRC Biophysics

Location:  Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1021747

Posting Close Date: 10/27/2023

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:

Position Summary
Perform research in Under supervision of the Biophysics Core Director, the Postdoctoral Research Associate plans and conducts experiments in various protein over-expression and purification, binding analyses of biomolecules, biological or biochemical assays, and structural studies using X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM. The work involves the application of lab specific tests and developing new protocols, and train users and students in various techniques and research equipment. This position requires abilities not only to optimize/trouble-shoot existing protocols, but also to create new protocols independently in order to make each assay work properly.

There are many projects on going, three of which are below.

1. Target-based anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug developments.

2. Antimicrobial drug development against three coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV).

3. Identification of a new role of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinases in corneal neovascularization.

4. Development of MMP14-laden exosomes as a novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapy

Duties & Responsibilities

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology or related discipline required.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD with one or more of X-ray Crystallography (highly preferred), Cryo-EM (highly preferred), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), and Circular dichroism (CD) experiences are preferred.
• Protein purification using AKTA FPLC experiences preferred.

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.

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