Post Doctoral Research Associate - BioPhysics

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 62,838 - 67,437; Full time

Job summary

The Debold Muscle Biophysics Lab at University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support a five‑year NIH grant studying muscle contraction and motor protein cooperation.

Applicants should have experience with laser trap and in vitro motility assays and be able to characterize single‑molecule and mini‑ensemble properties of myosin II, III, and V to link single‑molecule behavior to motor team dynamics, with a strong publication track record.

Qualifications

• PhD in kinesiology or related STEM field; strong publication record.
• Experience presenting and publishing research in biophysics or related field.
• Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with coworkers, students, and collaborators.
• Strong organizational skills for managing and maintaining large data sets.
• High level of independence and reliability.
• Published in high‑quality journals in kinesiology, neuroscience, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Protein purification and preparation for functional assays.
• Fluorescence microscopy imaging and data collection from single‑molecule laser trap and in vitro motility experiments.
• Data analysis of single‑molecule and ensemble assays.
• Preparation of figures for presentations at national and international conferences.
• Writing manuscripts for publication in high‑impact journals.
• Preference for candidates able to express and purify myosin proteins.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Independent work

Collaborative skills

Publication in biophysics or related

Presentation skills

Education

PhD in Kinesiology or related STEM field (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry)

Tools

MATLAB

R

LabView

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Associate – BioPhysics

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Public Health / Health Sciences

Department: Kinesiology

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Debold Muscle Biophysics Lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support a five‑year NIH grant. The laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle contraction, intracellular transport, and the formation of complex cellular structures. The goal is to understand how load‑dependent proteins of the molecular motor myosin enable it to perform complex cellular processes when working as a team of motors.

Applicants should be experienced with laser trap and in vitro motility assays and capable of characterizing single‑molecule and mini‑ensemble properties of muscle myosin II, myosin III, and myosin V to uncover the relationship between single‑molecule properties and complex motor team behavior.

Essential Functions

• Protein purification and preparation for functional assays.
• Fluorescence microscopy imaging and data collection from single‑molecule laser trap and in vitro motility experiments.
• Data analysis of single‑molecule and ensemble assays.
• Preparation of figures for presentations at national and international conferences.
• Writing manuscripts for publication in high‑impact journals.
• Preference for candidates able to express and purify myosin proteins.

Minimum Qualifications

• A PhD in Kinesiology or a related STEM field (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or Biochemistry).
• Demonstrated ability to present and publish research in biophysics or a related field.
• Capability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, students, and collaborators.
• Strong organizational skills for managing and maintaining large data sets.
• High level of independence and reliability.
• Published in high‑quality journals in kinesiology, neuroscience, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with single‑molecule laser trap assays.
• Proficiency in managing large and complex data sets using MATLAB, R, or related programs.
• Ability to isolate, express, and prepare proteins for functional assays.
• Knowledge of fluorescence microscopy techniques including epi, TIRF, and STORM.
• Proficiency with LabView software.
• Rapid learning of new software platforms.

Additional Details

This position requires full‑time employment (40 hours per week). Work may include week and weekend hours to facilitate human subject recruitment and testing. The role is strictly in‑person and represents a 12‑month appointment, reappointment contingent on funding and sufficient productivity (e.g., 2–3 first‑author publications per year).

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

M‑F, variable schedule. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Salary Information

For hires with 0–2 years of post‑doctoral experience, UMass Amherst offers a salary range of $62,838–$65,138. For hires with 3–4 years of post‑doctoral experience, the range is $66,287–$67,437.