Posted Date:
Position Description
A postdoctoral position is available in the Dray lab, which specializes in DNA damage repair, genome stability, and familial cancers. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, designing, conducting, coordinating, and analyzing research experiments focused on protein biochemistry and molecular biology.
Extensive experience in recombinant protein production is essential, as the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for expressing and purifying proteins in sufficient quantities and at the purity levels required for biochemical and biophysical characterization of individual proteins and protein complexes.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of advanced scientific concepts, independent research capabilities, and scientific productivity, as evidenced by at least one first-author, peer-reviewed publication.
Position Requirements
Required Qualifications and skills
- Education: a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or a closely related field. Candidates nearing completion of their Ph.D. are eligible.
- Molecular biology: Proficiency in molecular cloning, design and generation of expression constructs and mutants, and preparation of DNA and protein samples.
- Protein biochemistry: Extensive experience in recombinant protein expression and purification using bacterial, insect, and/or mammalian expression systems. Proficiency in chromatographic techniques, including affinity purification and other protein purification methods. Experience with ÄKTA fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) systems is highly desirable, column packing, maintenance of chromatography columns, and routine operation and maintenance of protein purification equipment.
- Biochemical assays: Experience with standard biochemical techniques, including Western blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), pull-down assays, DNA end resection or other enzymatic activity assays.
- Research organization and project management: Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple research projects, meet deadlines, and respond efficiently to emerging experimental needs.
- Scientific communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, present research findings, and communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators.
- Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Physical requirements: Ability to lift up to 20 lb and work in temperature-controlled environments, including cold rooms, as required.
Desirable Qualifications (Not absolutely required)
- Biophysical techniques: Experience with single-molecule approaches (e.g., C-Trap optical tweezers), mass photometry, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), or related biophysical methods.
- Scientific software: Working knowledge of relevant software is preferred, including UNICORN, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SnapGene, UCSF Chimera or similar, Adobe applications for scientific figure preparation or similar, EndNote, and other research-related software as needed.
- Structural biology: Experience with cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), including grid preparation, data collection, and/or image processing and analysis.
DNA repair and replication: Prior research experience in DNA damage response, DNA repair pathways, chromosome structure and/or DNA replication would be a plus.
Additional Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will also contribute to the broader scientific activities of the laboratory, including:
- Designing and generating molecular cloning constructs and preparing DNA stocks for recombinant protein expression.
- Developing, optimizing, and performing biochemical and enzymatic assays.
- Maintaining chromatography equipment, purification columns, and associated laboratory resources.
- Coordinating with institutional core facilities for specialized analyses, including preparing, shipping, or delivering samples as needed.
- Training and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in relevant laboratory techniques.
- Analyzing experimental data, preparing figures, contributing to scientific manuscripts, and presenting research findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.
- Contributing to collaborative research projects and participating in scientific discussions.
Pursuing their professional development and career advancement to reach their full potential, through clearly defined milestones established in consultation with the principal investigator.
The position offers opportunities to develop benchwork and leadership expertise in the field of DNA damage repair, replication, and genome stability.
How to Apply
Send your academic CV to dray@uthscsa.edu with the subject "PDA_Biochem"
Please include projects, name of former mentors, scientific skills and publications.
Please highlight skills listed in the job description. Short listed applicants will be invited to submit 3 recommendation letters and a brief introduction meeting over Zoom.
All postdoctoral appointments are designated as security sensitive positions. UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.