Research Associate
About the role
The Department of Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the Baiz Lab. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge investigations into the structural dynamics and interactions of membrane proteins and peptides within complex biological environments.
Responsibilities
Design and perform experiments utilizing FTIR, SEIRAS, and 2D IR spectroscopy to investigate the structure and dynamics of membrane proteins and peptides.
Develop and optimize advanced methodologies, including transient 2D IR and in-cell 2D IR in live mammalian cells, to probe conformational heterogeneity, hydration dynamics, and intermolecular interactions.
Prepare and characterize lipid vesicles, membrane mimetics, nanodiscs, and synthetic/heterogeneous lipid membranes and peptide samples for spectroscopic studies.
Investigate ion-channel regulation, selectivity, and membrane-insertion mechanisms—from native ion channels to synthetic artificial ion channels activated by lanthanide ions—using SEIRAS, 2D IR, and site-specific vibrational probes.
Analyze multidimensional spectroscopic data using spectral lineshape and time-correlation-function analysis, numerical fitting, and multivariate statistical methods in MATLAB and Python.
Integrate results with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and biophysical models describing protein folding, hydration-mediated regulation, and membrane interactions.
Characterize protein-polymer conjugates, cell-penetrating peptides, and peptide-drug complexes relevant to drug delivery and membrane transport.
Develop new experimental approaches for studying biomolecular dynamics in crowded and native-like cellular environments.
Mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students in advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques, experimental design, sample preparation, and quantitative data analysis.
Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international scientific conferences.
Requirements
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics or a closely related field.
Demonstrated proficiency in vibrational spectroscopy techniques, specifically two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) and surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS), including time-resolved and ultrafast nonlinear optical methods.
Strong background in membrane biophysics, protein-lipid interactions, protein folding and conformational dynamics, and the principles of ion-channel gating and membrane protein structure.
Proficiency in MATLAB and Python for spectral lineshape analysis, time-correlation functions, numerical fitting, and multivariate statistical analysis of high-dimensional spectroscopic data.
Experience with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of proteins, peptides, and lipid membranes, with the ability to integrate computational results with experimental spectroscopic data.
Solid grounding in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or biochemistry, including thermodynamics and kinetics of biomolecular systems and hydration-mediated regulation.
Qualifications
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Skills
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Pay
$61,000 + depending on qualifications
Schedule
Full-time, 40 hours per week