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An NIH-supported postdoctoral fellowship is currently available in the Mchaourab lab at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. The thrust of the projects is to use biophysical approaches to investigate structure/dynamics/function in multiple classes of transporters including ABC transporters and neurotransmitter transporters. Current focus in the lab is on the application and integration of cryo-EM, EPR, transport assays, and molecular modeling. We are a highly interdisciplinary group with interest ranging from proteostasis in zebrafish to multidrug transporters. The laboratory is located in the department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at the school of medicine with access to state of the art cores in crystallography, cryo-EM, EPR, mass spectrometry and various biophysical instrumentation.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics or related fields. Relevant skills include protein expression and purification, membrane reconstitution, biochemical analyses of function, and structure determination by x-ray crystallography or cryo-EM. Salary will be commensurate with experience and the starting date is negotiable.

If you are interested, send a CV and letters of recommendation to Hassane S. Mchaourab, Ph.D., hassane.mchaourab@vanderbilt.edu

A postdoctoral fellowship/senior research associate position is currently available in the Mchaourab lab at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. The project entails the use of zebrafish as an experimental model to understand the proteostasis network in the lens and heart. We apply advanced genetic approaches, including transgenesis and genome editing (such as CRISPR/Cas9), and microscopic imaging techniques to decipher the functional roles of small heat shock proteins for the maintenance of transparency during lens aging as well as stress resistance of the heart. Our recent discovery revealed a direct coupling between proteostasis and cortisol stress signaling and future directions will seek to investigate the mechanistic bases of this coupling.

We are a highly interdisciplinary group with interest ranging from chaperones to multidrug transporters. The laboratory is located in the department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics with access to state of the art cores in fluorescence microscopy, mass spectrometry and various biophysical instrumentation. The position will provide opportunities for applying mechanistic biochemistry in vitro to complement the in vivo genetic analysis as well as learning advanced biophysical techniques.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, or related fields. The ideal candidate will have expertise in microscopy, image analysis, and modern molecular biology techniques and with previous experience in zebrafish rearing and husbandry.

If you are interested, send a CV to hassane.mchaourab@vanderbilt.edu

A Research Assistant II position is available within the Program in Molecular Basis of Genetic Diseases led by Dr. Hassane Mchaourab in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University. The individual will be a key personnel responsible for research conducted. This position requires experience in protein expression and purification and standard molecular biology procedures, the ability to work in a team and knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and record keeping.

The Research Assistant II will support ongoing experiments in molecular biology, cell culture and protein expression/purification. Motivated individuals will have their own projects and perform structural biology related research. Additional responsibilities will include maintenance of common lab supplies including buffers and competent cells, organizing chemical stocks etc.

The Program in Molecular Basis of Genetic Diseases uses the tools of biochemistry and biophysics to understand how variations in the DNA of individuals are related to phenotypes. Our overall approach spans the spectrum from basic biochemistry, structural characterization of the target proteins using X-ray crystallography, electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), to the generation of model organisms such as Zebrafish. A repertoire of biophysical and biochemical methods such as analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), multiangle light scattering (MALS), Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) and crosslinking are integrated with structural biology to generate detailed mechanistic models of how mutations affect protein function.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain inventory of lab reagents and equipment
• Train new lab personnel and collaborators on equipment usage
• Generate constructs of protein of interest and carry out site directed mutagenesis
• Express proteins of interest in bacterial or mammalian cells
• Purify proteins and perform quality control by standard biochemical methods
• Opportunity to perform independent research

Profile of an Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is necessary
• Master’s degree is preferred
• Experience in molecular biology and cell culture is strongly preferred
• Experience in protein expression and purification is strongly preferred

Apply here

In addition to offering a lively community that encourages learning and celebrates diversity, Vanderbilt University offers a competitive, flexible benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, disability insurance, paid time off, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. Vanderbilt offers tuition assistance to employees, spouses and dependent children. Also, after five years of service, Vanderbilt will pay up to 55% of the tuition for up to three dependent children to earn a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about Vanderbilt’s benefits at Vanderbilt Human Resources: Benefits.

Vanderbilt is a renowned private institution founded in 1873 and located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The university’s students and faculty frequently cite Nashville and the surrounding area as one of the many perks of being a part of the Vanderbilt community.

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Qualifications

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.