Postdoctoral Research Scholar 0-5 yrs Experience
Purpose of the Position
We seek a skilled and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to ongoing projects studying the self-assembly and disassembly of virus-like particles (VLPs), with applications toward engineering VLPs as programmable nanomaterials. The successful candidate is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy in the laboratory while working within well-defined research directions and actively participating in the training of graduate students and undergrads. Under supervision of an SDSU Faculty member, this position is intended to provide mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence in the Post Doc's academic discipline.
Research Activities (55%)
- Execute research projects on VLP assembly, disassembly, RNA packaging and release, both in vitro and in vivo, including:
- Expression of recombinant coat proteins and purification of assembled VLPs using sedimentation, ultrafiltration, and affinity- and size-exclusion chromatography
- High-throughput screening of VLP disassembly under biochemical challenges with sequencing-based readouts of barcoded particles
- Characterization of assembly and disassembly products using single-particle techniques, including interferometric scattering microscopy (iSCAT), negative-stain and cryo-electron microscopy (TEM/cryo-EM)
- Design independent subprojects and contribute intellectually to the direction of the research, with growing autonomy over time
Publishing and Presenting (30%)
- Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication
- Present results at group meetings and at local and international conferences
- Assist in the preparation of grant reports and research proposals
Mentorship and Lab Environment (10%)
- Assist in training and mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers
- Contribute to maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment
- Participate in the maintenance of laboratory infrastructure, including microscopes, biochemical instrumentation, shared equipment
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
- Perform other duties as assigned
Knowledge and Abilities
Highly skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to ongoing projects in organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and asymmetric homogeneous catalysis. Expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy in the laboratory while working within well-defined research directions.
Education & Experience
- Doctoral degree or equivalent in an appropriate field
Preferred Qualifications and Special Skills
- Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, chemistry, physics, or a related field, with proficiency in biophysical or structural characterization of macromolecules
- Experience in expression and purification of proteins and/or preparation and handling of RNA
- Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently and to interpret quantitative data
- Ability to work independently with strong attention to detail and reproducibility
- Eagerness to train early career scientists
- Experience working with virus-like particles or protein-nucleic acid complexes
- Experience with electron microscopy (TEM and/or cryo-EM) and image analysis
- Experience with next-generation RNA sequencing
- Experience with quantitative data analysis
Additional Applicant Information
- Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
- Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).