Research Specialist | Laboratory of RNA Structural Biology and Biophysics

Organization Overview

The Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biophysics, led by Steve Bonilla, is dedicated to unraveling the fundamental physical principles that govern the three-dimensional shape and dynamic behavior of RNA molecules. Specifically, our focus lies in understanding the RNA sequences encoded by viruses, which enable them to manipulate the biochemical machinery of their host. To achieve this goal, we employ a wide range of cutting-edge tools and techniques, including cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), single-molecule FRET, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), as well as other biophysical and structural biology methods, alongside functional assays.

Overview

The Research Specialist will perform a diverse range of biochemical and biophysical experiments supporting current projects that characterize the function of structured RNAs and RNA-protein complexes in viral and cellular processes. A major responsibility of the position also includes training other members of the lab.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include the following:

• Molecular Biology: Preparing DNA and RNA, performing PCR, cloning, and conducting gene expression analysis.
• Labeling of RNA and proteins: Radiolabeling and fluorescently labeling RNAs and proteins for binding and functional assays.
• Protein Expression and Purification: Expressing recombinant proteins in various systems and purifying them using diverse techniques. Purifying viral polymerase complexes from infected cells for use in functional assays.
• Chromatography: Utilizing different chromatographic methods to purify proteins, RNA, and RNA-protein complexes.
• Cell Culture: Maintaining and manipulating various cell lines, including primary cells and established cell lines.
• Biochemical and Functional Assays: Performing enzyme activity assays, characterizing protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions, and conducting other functional tests.
• Training: Training and assisting other lab members on biochemical, biophysical, and structural techniques.
• Instrument Maintenance: Maintaining instruments in the lab.
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• M.S. (with 3 years of related work experience) required; Ph.D. (with emphasis in structural biology, biochemistry, nucleic acid biology, and/or biophysics) preferred.
• In-depth experience with molecular biology, cell culture techniques, nucleic acid biochemistry, and protein purification.
• Experience with reconstitution of multi-component protein and protein-nucleic acid complexes.
• Strong communication (oral and written English) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
  
  

Preferred

• Cryo-electron microscopy experience: preparation of cryo-EM grids, optimization of imaging conditions, cryo-EM microscope operation, and data analysis.
• Experience with computational tools for the determination and interpretation of cryo-EM density maps, such as cryo-SPARC, Relion, Phenix, Chimera, Pymol, and Rosetta.
• Experience with labeling nucleic acids with fluorescent probes.
• Experience with single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques (e.g., smFRET).
• Programming skills.
  
  

The Rockefeller University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the characteristics listed above.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Compensation Range: Min

USD $68,000.00/Yr.

Compensation Range: Max

USD $75,000.00/Yr.