Postdoctoral Researcher, Biochemistry

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher in Structural Biochemistry Research at Reed College. This is a full-time, one-year position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and the availability of funding. The successful candidate will be closely mentored by Prof. Shivani Ahuja, and will have the opportunity to contribute to and expand existing project(s) as well as mentor undergraduate students. Ahuja lab focuses on elucidating the molecular structure and mechanisms underlying biological processes using cutting-edge structural biology techniques. The role balances hands-on experimental work with critical data analysis and contributes significantly to the research group's overall scientific output.

The Ahuja Lab has a well-equipped wet-lab space and office space with workstations. Successful candidates will have a chance to showcase their research at both local and national conferences.

Salary for this position starts at $63,000-$67,000 aligned with the National Institute of Health postdoctoral salary scale, which can be found at: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-26-044.html. Pay offers are contingent upon experience and are determined through an internal pay assessment. This is an exempt (overtime eligible) position in grade PD.

Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive medical and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution after one year of service, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, and campus amenities such as membership to the campus fitness center and discounted Trimet transit passes. This is a full-time (part-time) role with typical work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour unpaid lunch.

Reed College prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or familial status, military status, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws that apply to the college, in any area, activity or operation of the college, including in its employment policies, educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, housing policies, athletic programs, and other school-administered programs.

Who you are:

• You have hands-on experience with protein expression, purification, and characterization techniques. For example, size exclusion chromatography
• You have hands-on experience with structural biology methods such as X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy is highly desirable
• You enjoy mentoring undergraduates from a variety of individual backgrounds
• You are enthusiastic about learning and contributing to scientific advancements
• You have strong communication and collaboration skills
• You can work independently and take ownership of projects
• You are an effective scientific communicator
• You are committed to research integrity and laboratory safety
• You are resourceful and adaptable
• You are proactive about professional growth and scholarly contribution

What you’ll do:

• Perform protein expression, purification, and crystallization
• Conduct Cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography experiments and analyze structural data
• Assist with biochemical and biophysical characterization of protein-ligand interactions
• Contribute to the design and execution of experiments
• Mentor undergraduate students working on research projects, guiding their learning in experimental design, data analysis, and lab protocols.
• Generate and keep track of goals, hypotheses, experimental and data analysis protocols, results, data, conclusions, plans, and progress on projects. Keep track of published and unpublished precedents and contribute original ideas.
• Maintain lab equipment, cleanliness, and safety protocols.
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature and contribute to project discussions
• Contribute to lab maintenance, including managing lab equipment and supplies
• Collaborate on or lead grant proposals to secure funding for new and ongoing research projects. Assist in drafting progress reports for grants and other funding sources.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and contribute to a positive work environment
• Co-author manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Participate in presenting research findings at conferences.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in chemistry or related field or ABD status
• Demonstrated experience with biochemical and structural biology research methods

Applications:

A cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for 2 references are required. Evaluation of applications will begin immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Shivani Ahuja. Reed College replies to every candidate. We will confirm that your application has been received, and if you are not selected, we will let you know as soon as possible.