Associate Staff Scientist

University of Arkansas; United States; Remote; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier medical research institution in the United States seeks a Research Staff Scientist in the Structural Biology Core. The role involves utilizing cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography for advanced structural biology research. Candidates should have a Ph.D. and 5+ years of relevant experience. This position offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment, focusing on multidisciplinary projects aimed at improving patient care.

Benefits

Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans

Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave

Education discount for staff and dependents

Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution

Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000

Career Training and Educational Opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of laboratory experience in structural biology, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.
• Proven record of successful cryo-EM structure determination supported by peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex experimental and computational workflows.

Responsibilities

• Conduct structural biology research using cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography.
• Train students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists in structural biology techniques.
• Supervise laboratory staff and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Cryo-electron microscopy

X-ray crystallography

Protein purification

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Bioscience, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or related field

Tools

RELION

CryoSPARC

Phenix

CCP4

Coot

Job description

Overview

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System two-year institutions will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students.”

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.

Closing Date: 11/07/2025

Type of Position: Researchers

Job Type: Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available: No

Institution Name: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Department: COM | Biochemistry - Enemark Lab

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties: A Research Staff Scientist position is available in the newly established Structural Biology Core at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). This position will apply specialized expertise in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography to advance the structural biology research capabilities of UAMS and the Arkansas INBRE network. The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute (WPRCI) has made significant investments to strengthen structural biology and integrate it into its cancer research programs, including the purchase of a Glacios cryo-EM scheduled for installation in 2026. The successful candidate will perform independent structure determination by cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography, assist in sample preparation and data collection, and train users on the best practices for instrument operation and experimental design. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact, multidisciplinary research within a collaborative, team-oriented environment that spans UAMS and regional partners.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Bioscience, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or a related field plus five (5) years of laboratory experience in structural biology, including both X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM
• Demonstrated expertise in “gene-to-structure” determination, including protein expression, purification, crystallization, and structure analysis
• Proven record of successful cryo-EM structure determination supported by peer-reviewed publications or scientific presentations
• Experience with bacterial protein expression and purification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with structural biology software such as RELION, CryoSPARC, Phenix, CCP4, and Coot
• Strong understanding of protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and macromolecular structure-function relationships
• Experience with Linux-based computational environments for data analysis and modeling
• Ability to troubleshoot complex experimental and computational workflows
• Excellent organizational, communication, and documentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research setting
• Commitment to maintaining safety, data integrity, and scientific rigor in all laboratory activities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience expressing and purifying proteins using mammalian, yeast, or insect cell systems
• Experience assisting and mentoring scientists in structure determination by cryo-EM and/or X-ray crystallography
• Strong collaborative and problem-solving skills

This position is a Designated Research Position and involves scientific investigation or development that involves technologies, designs, or technical data considered sensitive enough to potentially impact national security and therefore requires strict controls on export or transfer to foreign entities. The Arkansas Research & Education Protection Act of 2025 requires the University to obtain additional information about your background for this Research Position.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct structural biology research using cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography.
• Prepare and freeze grids, evaluate samples by negative stain and cryo-EM, and collect high-resolution cryo-EM data.
• Perform particle selection, classification, and structure refinement to determine and finalize coordinate structures.
• Conduct crystallization screening, crystal optimization, X-ray diffraction data collection, structure solution, and refinement.
• Prepare and purify samples for analysis by cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography.
• Train students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists in structural biology techniques.
• Supervise laboratory staff and ensure compliance with all University, State, and Federal safety regulations.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment including FEI Vitrobot, Leica GP2, Mosquito crystallization robot, and Formulatrix plate hotel.
• Manage inventory, order supplies, and track equipment service and maintenance schedules.
• Supervise and support personnel in developing new laboratory protocols.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows to advance research projects.
• Work independently while maintaining consistent communication with the Principal Investigator.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Documents to Apply: List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information: Please contact [e-mail] for any recruiting related questions.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site at https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Benefits Eligible: Yes