POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER - Molecular Genetics - Herz Lab

UT Southwestern; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan

Paid Time Off

Retirement Programs through TRS

Paid Parental Leave Benefit

Wellness programs

Tuition Reimbursement

PSLF Qualified Employer

Job summary

UT Southwestern invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the molecular and cellular functions of endolysosomal proteins and enzymes, integrating cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and structural approaches.

The position involves constructing curated expression libraries, expressing and characterizing selected proteins in mammalian cells, and contributing to mass spectrometry and cryo-EM analyses, with emphasis on rigorous data interpretation and publication

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or related discipline.
• Strong practical expertise in cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
• Experience constructing curated expression libraries and expressing genes in mammalian cells.
• Experience with protein and mRNA analysis, quantitative RNA analysis, and protein purification.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to study expression, localization, processing, and function of endolysosomal proteins and enzymes.
• Construct, validate, and maintain curated expression libraries for mammalian cell studies.
• Establish and optimize mammalian cell-based expression systems and functional assays.
• Perform protein and mRNA analyses, including quantitative RNA measurements and biochemical characterization.
• Express and purify proteins for functional, biochemical, and structural studies.
• Conduct or coordinate mass spectrometry experiments and analyze data.
• Perform or develop cryo-EM and structural analysis.
• Maintain rigorous records, interpret results, and communicate findings via presentations and manuscripts.

Skills

Cell biology

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Experimental design

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in a life science

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Cryo-EM

Job description

The Herz lab/Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research at UT Southwestern invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the molecular and cellular functions of endolysosomal proteins and enzymes. The position will integrate cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and structural approaches to characterize protein expression, function, and regulation.

We seek a motivated, rigorous scientist with strong experimental skills and an interest in connecting cellular mechanisms with biochemical and structural insights. A central component of the research will involve constructing curated expression libraries and expressing and characterizing selected proteins in mammalian cells.

Research Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to investigate the expression, localization, processing, and function of endolysosomal proteins and enzymes.
• Construct, validate, and maintain curated expression libraries for systematic studies in mammalian cells.
• Establish and optimize mammalian cell-based expression systems and functional assays.
• Perform protein and mRNA analyses, including quantitative RNA measurements and biochemical characterization.
• Express and purify proteins for functional, biochemical, and structural studies.
• Conduct or coordinate mass spectrometry experiments and analyze the resulting data.
• Perform, or develop proficiency in, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and structural analysis.
• Maintain rigorous experimental records, interpret results critically, and communicate findings through presentations and manuscripts.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong practical expertise in cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
• Demonstrated experience constructing curated expression libraries and expressing genes in mammalian cells.
• Experience with protein and mRNA analysis, quantitative RNA analysis, and protein purification.
• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data-analysis skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively and to communicate scientific findings clearly.
• Experience in cryo-EM and structural analysis, or a strong commitment to acquiring these skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience involving endolysosomal proteins, lysosomal enzymes, or related cellular pathways.
• Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry sample preparation, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Experience optimizing mammalian protein expression and preparing purified proteins for biochemical or structural studies.
• Prior experience in cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, image processing, or structure determination.

UTSouthwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. Asan equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis ofrace, color, religion, national origin, sex,sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression,age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/

Benefits

UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare - no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer