Research Assistant; Biochemistry Jobs

The Kuriyan Lab in the Department of Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is seeking a talented and enthusiastic research assistant to work on assay development focused on identifying next-generation therapeutics targeting proteins that are critical in several types of human cancers. The individual will work closely with postdoctoral fellows and the laboratory manager in a dynamic laboratory environment and will also work closely with scientists across different research facilities at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

The Kuriyan Lab studies the structural mechanisms of the protein switches that carry out cellular signal transduction. We use biochemical, biophysical, structural and cell biological analyses to elucidate molecular mechanisms of how proteins function, and also study how these mechanisms change with evolution. Aberrant signaling from these molecular switches underlies the onset of many human diseases, including several types of cancers. The Kuriyan lab is actively pursuing innovative approaches to modulate the functions of these targets and to advance the development of better therapeutics.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Biochemical and biophysical assay development to measure protein activity, protein-protein and protein-small molecule interactions
• Protein purification using centrifugation, affinity chromatography, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography
• Expression, purification, and in-vitro reconstitution of integral membrane proteins
• Molecular cloning to prepare various constructs and variants of the proteins of interest with suitable vectors, for recombinant protein expression
• Recombinant protein expression using mammalian or insect cells
• High-throughput assay development to screen chemical libraries for desirable biochemical and biophysical properties
• Maintenance of mammalian and insect cell lines

General duties in laboratory research and development:

• Provide technical support for biochemical studies of drug discovery targets
• Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of experimental data
• Perform data analysis and prepare charts, graphs and reports for data presentation
• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions

Qualifications

• 2 or more years’ experience in biomedical research is necessary.
• Experience with organization, inventory, and record keeping is preferred
• Excellent organizational and communications skills (verbal and written) are preferred
• A Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

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