Research Specialist

About The Job

The Research Specialist position in the Reddy Lab supports the research work on the structure determination of biomacromolecules using cryo-EM/cryo-ET and aids in the design of novel viral vectors involving human adenoviruses and other viral nanoparticles. These vaccines can be customized for use against infectious diseases and cancers. The objectives of the project involve elucidating the 3D-structures and biomolecular function using cryo-EM and cryo-ET and rational vaccine design.

Responsibilities

• Ongoing Research – 70%
• Maintain bacterial and mammalian cell cultures.
• Express and purify proteins and viruses using bacterial and mammalian expression systems.
• Perform protein purification using FPLC and biochemical characterization.
• Prepare cryo-EM samples and perform specimen screening.
• Collect cryo-EM data using the Titan Krios microscope.
• Design and implement experiments to support structural biology research objectives.
• Analysis & Review – 15%
• Process cryo-EM datasets using CryoSPARC and RELION.
• Determine protein and viral structures from cryo-EM data.
• Analyze, interpret, and validate experimental results.
• Review relevant scientific literature to inform experimental design and data interpretation.
• Scientific Writing – 15%
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Aid in grant proposal preparation and supporting documentation.
• Generate figures, tables, and other scientific visualizations for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Advanced degree may be preferred or required.
• Experience with specific research techniques or areas of knowledge within a field may be preferred or required.
• Experience in protein expression, purification and characterization.
• Experience in cryo-EM and/or cryo-ET data-collection and processing.
• Experience with scientific writing and reporting.