Research Assistant, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics

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The Mchaourab laboratory is in search of a motivated research assistant who will play a role in the establishment of novel efforts aimed at characterizing neurotransmitter sodium symporters. The individual will be key personnel responsible for research conducted and support efforts of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the lab. This position requires knowledge of basic laboratory procedures, record keeping, and experience in molecular biology techniques and recombinant protein production. Determined individuals will have the opportunity to build their own project.

Our overall approach integrates knowledge of protein structure with sophisticated spectroscopic methods and reaction kinetics to develop mechanistic models of functional dynamics. The lab capitalizes on state-of-the-art instrumentation at Vanderbilt, including cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), to facilitate discoveries. Our goal is to uncover relationships between target molecular properties and disease-linked variants to aid rational drug design strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage, order and maintain inventory of lab reagents and equipment

Apply molecular biology techniques to generate novel DNA constructs of target genes

Express, purify and characterize recombinant proteins.

Opportunity to perform independent research

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

The minimum requirement is a Master’s degree in chemistry, biology or a related field is necessary.

Experience in molecular biology and cell culture is strongly preferred.

Experience in protein chemistry is strongly preferred.