Research Technician
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Position Title: Research Technician
Position Summary:
A position is available in a protein engineering and biophysics laboratory to produce and molecularly characterize novel synthetic proteins whose amino acid sequences are designed using computational tools.
Lab Overview:
The Mravic Lab uses computational protein design and data-driven molecular modeling to understand protein biophysics and molecular mechanisms in disease.
Our three focus areas are:
1) Computationally design of simple biomolecules that spontaneously fold and function in efforts to establish general chemical ‘rules’ governing protein folding, structure, and biochemical function.
2) Engineering novel chemical biology tools to bind and perturb cellular membrane proteins, as custom tool molecules to study molecular mechanism in disease.
3) Integrating bioinformatic data mining with molecular modeling, atomic simulations, and theoretical energy calculations to understand protein structural and functional states during critical cellular processes.
By studying a range of both natural and synthetic in silico designed proteins, our research aims to actively explore the physical chemistry forces that link the protein amino acid sequence to its 3D conformations and its important functional properties. By designing proteins from scratch, we can actively hypothesize biophysical principles required for protein folding, stability, and function, then test those chemical principles in the lab using a range of cellular-level and molecular-level methods. The lab employs a broad range of experimental techniques that span synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and biophysics in to order to study the interactions, folding, and biochemical functions of these natural and de novo designed proteins across different contexts. We mostly work on transmembrane proteins.
Position overview:
Support the laboratory’s research program in the wet lab by producing proteins (usually membrane proteins) then contributing to the characterization of their structure and function. The research is multi-disciplinary in nature, thus the ability to adapt and a willingness to learn new methods are essential. Responsibilities may include:
- Molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression, protein purification
- Peptide chemical synthesis & HPLC (organic solvent), mass spectrometry
- SDS-PAGE, FPLC, western blots
- Conduct biophysical/biochemical assay protocols, e.g. fluorescent spectroscopy, protein crystallization, protein-protein binding
- Routine maintenance of lab instruments, buffer preparation, organization of laboratory stocks/materials
- Perform other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned.
Requirements:
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline and up to one (1) year of related experience. Three (3) to six (6) years of related laboratory experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Experience in molecular biology, cloning, and recombinant protein expression/purification are required
- Understanding of organic chemistry and familiarity with protein biochemistry required
- Must be highly motivated, self-driven, and adaptable. Strong oral and written communication skills
- Respectful of and cooperative with the diverse scientific and personal backgrounds of coworkers
- Ability to independently conduct assays and lead a research direction some days, but also accept a supporting role in other researchers' project goals as a team player on other occasions.
- Impeccable record-keeping skills, attention to detail, and tidiness in shared spaces are essential.
Preferred skillset:
Experience with biophysical techniques (X-ray crystallography, protein NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy, binding experiments, FPLC) and organic chemistry practices are not required, but are highly desirable. Previous mammalian, yeast, and/or insect cell culture are not required, but are desirable.
Physical Requirements:
This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
Compensation: $18.13-$22.19 per hour
EEO Statement: Scripps is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
COVID-19 update: The safety and well-being of our candidates, our people and their families continues to be a top priority. Until restrictions change, interviews will be conducted virtually. New hires will work remotely, unless specifically authorized for campus access.