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