Research Assistant, Biochemistry, Kuriyan

The Kuriyan lab studies the structural mechanisms of the protein switches that carry out cellular signal transduction. We use biochemical, biophysical, structural and cell biological analyses to elucidate molecular mechanisms of how proteins function, and also study how these mechanisms change with evolution. Aberrant signaling from these molecular switches underlies the onset of many human diseases, including several types of cancers. The Kuriyan lab is actively pursuing innovative approaches to modulate the functions of these targets and to advance the development of better therapeutics. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

The individual is expected to support research activities that include, but are not limited to, molecular cloning, cell culture, protein biochemistry, and cellular analysis of protein function. 

The ideal candidate would have prior laboratory experience working in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related fields. The ability to operate independently, as well as part of a team, is critical.

Preferred experience and skills:

• Preparation of competent cells, LB medium, and agar plates 

• Aseptic technique for handling bacteria and mammalian cell culturing

• Molecular cloning to prepare various constructs and variants of the proteins of interest with suitable vectors, for recombinant protein expression or cellular analysis

• Maintenance and subculturing of insect cell and mammalian cell lines

• Recombinant protein expression using E.coli, insect cells, or mammalian cells.

• Protein purification using centrifugation, affinity chromatography, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography 

• Expression, purification, and in vitro reconstitution of integral membrane proteins

• Biochemical and biophysical assay development to measure protein activity, protein-protein, and protein-small molecule interactions

General duties in laboratory research and development:        

• Provide general support for everyday lab maintenance tasks

• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions

• Collect, record, organize, and verify the accuracy of experimental data

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biological sciences, chemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.

• 2 or more years’ experience in biomedical research is necessary.

• Experience with organization, inventory, and record keeping is preferred

• Excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written) are preferred

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.