Rsch Pro 2-Biochemistry

Summary:

We are looking for a researcher to join the Veglia Lab in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics at the University of Minnesota. This position is funded by the NIH and aims to characterize cancer-driver mutations in protein kinases both functionally and structurally. The researcher will conduct molecular biology and biochemistry experiments, which will include cloning, mutagenesis, and overexpression and purification of protein kinases. Additionally, the researcher will perform biochemical and biophysical assays, maintain clear and comprehensive scientific records, and manage essential lab maintenance tasks, such as overseeing reagent stocks and ordering supplies.

Essential Functions:

10% Molecular Biology and Cell Culture including:

PCR of diverse DNA templates; PCR primer design and optimization; PCR reaction optimization;

Plasmid design including design of expression plasmids for recombinant protein expression in bacteria, insect, and mammalian cells;

Plasmid mutagenesis.

30% Protein biochemical and biophysical assays

ATPase assays, optical spectroscopy, protein thermal stability, protein-protein interaction characterization.

50% Recombinant Protein Expression and Purication and Crystallography

Protein expression in Bacteria cells;

Protein purication using affinity tags;

Protein purication using chromatography systems.

10% General Laboratory Maintenance

Inventory and organize laboratory materials; maintain general working order of laboratory; Assist in ordering materials for laboratory work.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualications:

* Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.

* 1-3 years of hands-on laboratory experience with recombinant protein expression in E. coli, yeast, insect, or mammalian systems

* Proficiency in protein purification techniques, including affinity chromatography (e.g., His-tag, GST), ion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography

* Experience using FPLC systems (e.g., AKTA) for protein purification

* Familiarity with protein characterization techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, BCA assays, and UV spectrophotometry

* Knowledge of setting up and optimizing enzymatic or biochemical activity assays

* Sterile technique and experience with bacterial culture and molecular cloning methods

* Ability to follow laboratory protocols and maintain detailed, accurate laboratory notebooks and records

* Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting

Preferred Qualications:

* Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field

* Familiarity with laboratory software (e.g., Excel, Origin, GraphPad Prism) for data analysis and reporting

* Enthusiasm for troubleshooting and optimizing protocols to improve yield and activity of purified proteins

BMBB:

The department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics is committed to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and cancer; developing novel strategies in biocatalysis and biotechnology; and advancing knowledge through structural biology and molecular biophysics. We organize ourselves into research divisions with emphases on Chemical and Structural Biology, Metabolic and Systems Biology, Molecular Biology and Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology. We are housed in new buildings with state-of-the-art research and support facilities.

Pay Range: $50,000 - $52,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).