Research Associate (Levels II and III) - Zhou Lab
About The Position
The Zhou Lab at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking an experienced Research Associate (level II and III) to support a multidisciplinary research program investigating the conformational and functional biology of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs). This is an experienced research position intended for a scientist capable of independently executing and optimizing technically demanding experimental workflows. The Research Associate will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and other members of the project team and will play a major role in large-scale protein production, quality control, sample preparation, and biochemical characterization.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, protein science, or a related field, with substantial relevant research experience.
- Extensive hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute established protocols and troubleshoot technically challenging experiments.
- Strong laboratory organization, record keeping, and sample-management skills.
- Experience managing multiple experimental samples or workflows in parallel.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-moving multidisciplinary research environment.
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience purifying and handling intrinsically disordered proteins or IDR-containing proteins is highly preferred.
- Experience with difficult, aggregation-prone, low-complexity, or phase-separating proteins.
- Experience with affinity chromatography, ion exchange, SEC, protein concentration/formulation, electrophoresis, and quantitative protein assays.
- Experience preparing samples for mass spectrometry, HDX-MS, structural biology, or other high-end analytical platforms.
- Experience establishing standardized protein-production or QC workflows.
- Familiarity with automation or high-throughput protein production would be advantageous.
Responsibilities
- Carry out protein expression, purification, and quality control for a large collection of IDR-containing proteins in human cells.
- Optimize purification and handling protocols for proteins that may be unstable, aggregation-prone, highly charged, or structurally heterogeneous.
- Perform routine and advanced protein characterization and maintain standardized QC criteria across protein batches.
- Prepare and document samples for transfer to collaborating laboratories performing single-molecule profiling, HDX-MS, protein-interactome, and related assays.
- Support in vitro protein interaction, condensation, aggregation, and binder-characterization experiments.
- Maintain detailed sample inventories, batch records, QC documentation, and transfer manifests.
- Assist with implementation and scaling of reproducible experimental workflows.
- Work closely with the postdoctoral fellow to troubleshoot experimental problems and improve throughput and reproducibility.
- Contribute to preparation of technical reports and milestone documentation.
Benefits
- medical/dental/vision coverage
- paid time off
- paid parental leave
- 401(k) employer contribution
- student debt repayment option
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
