Research Associate - Structural Biologist

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 55,800 - 68,200; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Research Associate in Structural Biology within the Molecular Biosciences department to advance structural biology and biochemistry of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes.

The role involves expressing and purifying proteins, obtaining diffraction-quality crystals or cryo-EM structures, mentoring graduate students, and contributing to manuscripts and proposals in a collaborative lab environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in structural biology and/or biochemistry with demonstrated productivity in these areas.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Ph.D. in structural biology and/or biochemistry with at least three years’ experience and demonstrated research productivity on enzymes that bind nucleic acids and/or protein-nucleic acid complexes

Responsibilities

• Express, purify, and characterize RT and related proteins for structural analysis.
• Determine conditions for obtaining diffraction-quality crystals and cryo-EM analysis.
• Obtain structures of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes with nucleic acids.
• Mentor graduate students and prepare reports and manuscripts.

Education

Ph.D. in structural biology and/or biochemistry

Tools

FPLC

X-ray crystallography

Cryo-EM

Enzymatic assays

Job description

Research Associate - Structural Biologist

Hiring Department: Molecular Biosciences

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jul 16, 2027

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Purpose

Carry out research in structural biology and biochemistry of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes and their nucleic acid complexes.

Responsibilities

• Express, purify, and characterize full-length and deletion constructs of group II intron and other non-LTR retroelement reverse transcriptase and related proteins for structural analysis and biotechnological applications using Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography FPLC and other methods. Characterize wild-type and mutant proteins biochemically via enzymatic assays and determine conditions for obtaining diffraction quality crystals and/or for cryo-electron microscopy analysis of proteins and protein/nucleic acid complexes. Carry out biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Obtain structures of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes and their nucleic acid-protein complexes by X-ray diffraction and/or cryo-EM structures.
• Write manuscripts and assist in the preparation of reports, abstracts, manuscripts and proposals. Make presentations at lab meetings. Attend lab meetings and other meetings. Order chemicals and supplies specific to current project.
• Provide instruction, assistance and mentoring to graduate students.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in structural biology and/or biochemistry with demonstrated productivity in these areas.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in structural biology and/or biochemistry with at least three years’ experience and demonstrated research productivity on enzymes that bind nucleic acids and/or protein-nucleic acid complexes

Salary Range

$62,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Personal protection equipment (furnished)
• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around bio-hazards
• May work around chemicals

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and Title 38. If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.