Research Professional I
About The Position
The R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy is hiring a Research Professional I to support the Wang Laboratory’s research on neurodegenerative diseases and the development of small-molecule therapeutics. The position conducts laboratory experiments in recombinant protein expression, purification and characterization, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, imaging, and quantitative data analysis. Under the direction of the principal investigator (PI), the employee performs established procedures, optimizes and troubleshoots assays with guidance from senior researchers, and contributes to protein-small molecule binding and target-engagement studies. The role works collaboratively with the PI and laboratory members while taking responsibility for assigned experimental workflows. The position maintains experimental workflows, reagents, constructs, cell lines, and laboratory equipment; helps develop protocols and troubleshoot experiments; and prepares figures and research reports. It offers opportunities to contribute to research presentations and publications. Visa sponsorship is not available. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position on the Tucson campus.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, chemistry, chemical biology, pharmaceutical sciences, neuroscience, or a related field, or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience.
- One year of relevant laboratory research experience may be required, consistent with the Research Professional I classification.
- Knowledge of basic principles of protein biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and quantitative experimental design.
- Skills in recombinant protein expression and purification and protein characterization; experience with chromatography/FPLC, affinity purification, SDS-PAGE, or Western blotting.
- Skills in mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, immunostaining, fluorescence/confocal imaging, and quantitative data analysis.
- Ability to conduct components of research projects according to established plans, collect and analyze data, identify problems, and work collaboratively with senior researchers.
- Ability to learn and perform protein-small molecule binding and biophysical assays, such as SPR, BLI, MST, and thermal-shift or related approaches, and optimize assay conditions.
- Ability to troubleshoot identifiable experimental problems, maintain rigorous records, communicate results, and work independently on assigned tasks as well as collaboratively within a research team.
Nice To Haves
- Prior hands-on experience in recombinant protein purification or characterization, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, imaging, or small-molecule/drug-discovery assays.
- Experience with protein-small molecule binding assays or assay development and optimization.
Responsibilities
- Perform recombinant protein expression, purification, quality assessment, and biochemical characterization using affinity purification, chromatography/FPLC, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and related approaches.
- Collaborate with the PI and research team to design and conduct biochemical assays for protein-small molecule interactions, binding affinity, target engagement, protein stability, aggregation, and related small-molecule characterization; assist with assay optimization.
- Perform molecular and cell biology experiments according to the research plan, including cloning and construct preparation, mammalian cell culture, compound treatment, immunoblotting, immunostaining, and related cell-based assays.
- Conduct fluorescence/confocal imaging and quantitative image and data analysis.
- Organize, interpret, and present experimental results; prepare analyses for research reports; and maintain accurate research records.
- Maintain experimental workflows, reagents, constructs, cell lines, and laboratory equipment.
- Assist with protocol development, troubleshooting, and preparation of figures and research reports.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability programs
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Tuition reduction at U of A, ASU, and NAU for the employee and qualified family members
- Retirement plans
- Access to U of A recreation and cultural activities
- Work-life programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
