Post Doctoral Associate (Ebright Lab)

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 57,571 - 70,364; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Employee and dependent educational benefits

Life insurance coverage

Employee discount programs

Job summary

A leading educational institution in New Jersey seeks a Post Doctoral Associate. The candidate will conduct diverse research on RNA polymerase structure and function using advanced techniques such as cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography. Responsibilities include training and leading laboratory staff, maintaining research documentation, and preparing results for publication. A Doctorate in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field is required, along with hands-on experience in protein and nucleic acid analysis.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in biochemistry, molecular biology, or an allied field.
• In‑depth experience in preparation and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids.
• Hands-on experience in molecular cloning and sequencing.
• Experience in cryo‑EM, cryo‑ET, and/or X‑ray crystallography.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research on RNA polymerase structure and function.
• Uses cryo‑ET, cryo‑EM, and X‑ray crystallography for defining structures.
• Documents work and maintains a laboratory notebook and database.
• Trains research staff and students in laboratory activities.

Skills

Preparation and analysis of proteins

Molecular cloning

Cryo‑EM

Cryo‑ET

X‑ray crystallography

English communication

Computer literacy

Chromatography

Electrophoresis

Education

Doctorate in biochemistry, molecular biology, or allied field

Job description

Position Details

• Recruitment/Posting Title: Post Doctoral Associate (Ebright Lab)
• Department: Waksman Institute of Microbiology
• Salary: $63,968.00

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Posting Summary

Conducts research on RNA polymerase structure and function and on small‑molecule inhibitors of RNA polymerase in the Richard Ebright Lab. Uses cryo‑ET, cryo‑EM, and X‑ray crystallography to define structures and structural transitions of transcription complexes and transcription‑translation complexes, and to identify and characterize small‑molecule inhibitors of transcription. Prepares and assays proteins and nucleic acids, ribosomes, prepares text, tables, and figures for patent applications and publications. Presents results at scientific meetings.

Performs professional‑level experiments and research using various techniques. Carries out routine and non‑routine work with review of work outputs by supervisor. Documents work performed and maintains a notebook and database. Communicates effectively with supervisor. Uses and helps maintain highly specialized equipment, and maintains and keeps the workplace and laboratory organized in a clean and safe manner in accordance with established procedures. Trains and leads research staff, postdoctoral associates, students, and technicians in laboratory related activities. Performs professional work requiring specialized knowledge and application and use of concepts, theories, terminology, and practices.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in biochemistry, molecular biology, or an allied field.
• In‑depth understanding and hands‑on experience in preparation and analysis of proteins, nucleic acids, and complexes thereof.
• In‑depth understanding and hands‑on experience in molecular cloning, sequencing, and site‑directed mutagenesis.
• In‑depth understanding and hands‑on experience in cryo‑EM, cryo‑ET, and/or X‑ray crystallography, including sample preparation, data collection, and data processing.
• Experience in structural and functional analysis of RNA polymerase and transcription complexes and/or ribosomes and translation complexes preferred.
• Effective spoken and written English required.
• High level of computer literacy required.
• Experience in chromatography (including FPLC and preferably including HPLC) and electrophoresis required.
• Experience with chemical, radiological, and biological hazards (biosafety levels 1 and 2) required or preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Average to above‑average levels of mobility expected for laboratory environment.
• Average to above‑average levels of upper‑body strength expected for lifting and working with bioreactors, large‑volume culture flasks, Dewar flasks, cryo reservoirs, and other heavy items.

Overview

Level of Decision Making: The individual should be able to cope with the highly complex, highly unpredictable nature of scientific research and the management challenges posed by a large and diverse scientific research team. The incumbent is expected to resolve problems in long‑term, mid‑term, and day‑to‑day experimentation and management by thinking, researching, and seeking advice, then making recommendations to the PI.

Position Status

Full Time

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. To learn more, see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement.