Research Scientist/Engineer 4

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

4d

About The Position

The Department of Biochemistry is hiring an independent research scientist to investigate allosteric regulation of enzymes in intermediary metabolism, particularly metabolic enzymes that self-assemble into large macromolecular structures. The position uses structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to study structure-function relationships in metabolic enzymes that are important therapeutic targets, with cryo-EM structure determination as a central technique. The scientist may also contribute to laboratory projects on intracellular organization of metabolism, including structural studies of cytoskeletal components and protein assemblies relevant to bacterial cell biology.

The Kollman laboratory studies intermediary metabolism through fundamental enzymology of reactions that are rate-limiting or located at key pathway branch points, and through investigation of how the spatiotemporal organization of enzymes in cells affects metabolic flux. The laboratory's work examines how allosteric ligand binding influences enzyme assembly and activity, how enzyme assembly and localization affect cell and organismal physiology, and the biochemistry of clinical variants associated with immunological and neurodevelopmental disorders. Its overarching goal is to translate fundamental discoveries into improved understanding of human disease and therapeutic development for disorders of nucleotide metabolism.

With minimal oversight from the principal investigator, the scientist will identify and pursue research directions within the laboratory's mission; plan, manage, and coordinate multiple projects; develop hypotheses and experimental approaches; analyze and interpret data; and communicate findings through manuscripts and conference presentations. The scientist will initially assist with grant development and is expected to develop and write proposals independently over time. The role involves developing methods to address complex biological questions, establishing expertise in structural biology and protein biochemistry, and serving as a resource to colleagues. The scientist may supervise and mentor junior staff, advise on laboratory staffing and candidate evaluation, identify research opportunities and collaborators at the University, and contribute to the laboratory's strategic research directions with the principal investigator.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, or a related field, and 4 years of relevant experience in structural biology and protein biochemistry; equivalent education and/or experience may substitute where permitted.
• Expertise in single-particle cryo-EM structure determination, including sample preparation, data collection, and data processing using cryoSPARC and RELION.
• Expertise in recombinant protein production, including molecular cloning, protein expression, and chromatography-based purification.
• Experience with enzyme kinetics and the ability to design and develop biochemical assays of enzyme function.
• Strong background in cell metabolism, particularly nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis.
• Experience performing enzyme activity assays and analyzing enzyme kinetics.
• Demonstrated independence in designing and executing experimental plans to probe enzyme function.
• Knowledge of mammalian cell culture techniques, cell growth assays, and fluorescence cellular imaging.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, or a related field.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, including plasmid transfection and generation of stable cell lines.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy of mammalian or budding yeast cells, including immunofluorescence.
• Experience writing scripts or software to support cryo-EM data processing.
• A record of independently writing and submitting grant proposals and past success obtaining research fellowships or grants.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments and analyze data for ongoing research projects (40%).
• Plan, manage, and coordinate multiple research projects (15%).
• Supervise and train junior laboratory staff in experimental design, procedures, and analysis (15%).
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals (10%).
• Develop, write, and secure research grants for new projects that extend the laboratory’s scope (10%).
• Present research results at scientific conferences (5%).
• Participate in scientific societies and the broader research community, including organizing sessions at scientific meetings (5%).
• Identify and pursue new research directions within the laboratory’s mission with minimal oversight.
• Develop hypotheses, design experimental approaches, and analyze and interpret research data.
• Develop new approaches and methods to address complex biological questions.
• Establish technical expertise in structural biology and protein biochemistry and serve as a resource to laboratory and departmental colleagues.
• Assist the principal investigator with grant development initially, with the expectation of developing and writing proposals independently over time.
• Identify research opportunities and potential University collaborators and contribute to the laboratory’s strategic research directions.
• Potentially mentor junior staff and provide input on laboratory staffing, including identifying and evaluating candidates for open positions.

Benefits

• Benefits are offered; the posting directs applicants to the University of Washington staff benefits website for details.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior