Postdoctoral Fellow - BMB Biochemistry

University of Kansas Medical Center • Kansas City, KS

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Postdoctoral scholars at the University of Kansas Medical Center are individuals who have received their terminal degree and who have opted to pursue further training in a postdoctoral appointment. Postdoctoral scholarship is a time-limited appointment, the primary purpose of which is to provide research and/or scholarly training for an academic or research career. A postdoctoral scholar at KUMC is expected to: Participate in a full-time regimen of advanced training and research, train under the supervision of a faculty research mentor who will provide the opportunity for collaborative and independent research, as well promote publication of findings and preparation of research grants as determined by a mutual agreement between the postdoctoral scholar and the mentor, participate in relevant academic activities related to the preparation for a career in research or academia, participate in the University’s Individual Development Plan policy for postdoctoral scholars, have a PhD or equivalent terminal degree (such as MD, DVM, PsyD, PharmD, etc.), and candidates should have strong English skills and demonstrate an ability to write and communicate with a scientific audience. Candidates must be able to independently plan, multi-task and complete projects. Ideally, the fellow will be expected to design and execute experiments, analyze data, write and prepare independent grant applications and manuscripts for scientific publications, and supervise graduate students. A postdoctoral position is available in the Schaich laboratory of Single-molecule Biology and Epigenetics in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). The Schaich Lab is looking for the applicants with interests in studying chromatin biology and its regulation by oxidative DNA demethylation. A particular emphasis for the lab is using single-molecule and structural approaches to better understand the oxidative DNA demethylation pathway. Applied methods range from the use of biochemical, biophysical, single-molecule, cellular, and structural approaches. Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Molcular Biology, Cell Biology, or related fields. Applicants should be self-driven, highly motivated and capable of planning and conducting independent research under the PI’s supervision while being willing to collaborate. Practical experience in protein biochemistry, including the expression and purification of recombinant proteins and the functional analysis of proteins is desired. Experience in cell biology, including CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, transient transfections, and PCR is also preferred. Candidates should be able to rapidly learn new approaches, work independently, generate publication quality data, and craft the data into manuscripts and fellowship applications.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related fields.
• Strong English skills.
• Ability to write and communicate with a scientific audience.
• Ability to independently plan, multi-task and complete projects.
• Experience in protein biochemistry, cell biology, and a strong scientific publication record.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in protein biochemistry, including the expression and purification of recombinant proteins and the functional analysis of proteins.
• Experience in using single-molecule techniques, particularly with fluorescence microscopy and/or optical tweezers.
• Experience in structural biology (X-ray crystallography, CryoEM).
• Skillsets in CRISPR/Cas9 construct design, validation, and implementation.
• Experience in cell biology, including CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, transient transfections and PCR.
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Problem Solving Skills

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, record data, analyze data, and interpret experimental results.
• Read literature articles, develop new ideas, and assimilate the information into project design/interpretation.
• Prepare manuscripts for publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present research findings at conferences and scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with fellow lab members, including graduate students and technicians, to achieve research objectives.
• Submit fellowship applications, as eligible, to bolster research funding and CV building for projects.
• Attend and maintain compliance on all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, understand and follow all assigned duties, and attend regularly scheduled research team meetings.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health expense accounts with generous employer contributions
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Various additional voluntary insurance plans
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick
• Ten paid holidays
• One paid discretionary day after six months of employment
• Paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Retirement program with a generous employer contribution
• Additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree