The Karbstein Lab in the Department of Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University is seeking an enthusiastic RNA molecular biology/RNA biochemistry staff scientist to aid in the lab’s studies of ribosome assembly, quality control and repair.  In addition to providing a better understanding about the cellular mechanisms underlying ribosome integrity, this basic science work is highly relevant to cancer biology, and the biology of aging.  The lab relies heavily on biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as yest genetics.  For examples of the type of research that will be undertaken see: Blomqvist et al, 2023, PLoS Genetics; Yang et al, 2023, Mol Cell; and Parker et al, 2024, PLoS Biology; Yang&Karbstein, BioRxiv 2024.

Key Functions and Expected Performances:

Independently Carries out Research and Development:

Purifies ribosomes from various organisms for mass spectrometry analysis

Experience in RNA biochemistry is an asset

Uses protein gels, Western blotting and mass spectrometry to analyze ribosome assembly factors and ribosomal proteins 

Uses Northern blotting to analyze ribosome assembly in cells 

Uses agarose gels to analyze PCR screens and PCR reactions

Generates yeast and worm strains and human cell lines

Uses quantitative growth measurements to monitor genetic interactions

Designs and clones proteins and RNAs for yeast, worm or human in vivo work and in vitro assays

Analyzes RNAseq data

Analyzes experiments independently and prepares them for presentation to the PI

Supervisory Relationships:

Might supervise interns, work-study students or undergraduate researchers, and explain problems to them.

The position reports administratively and functionally to the PI.

Education and Certifications:

A PhD degree in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education and a minimum of two years of experience is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

Experience with protein and/or RNA biochemistry is strongly preferred.

Computational experience is preferred.

Being comfortable in learning new assays is necessary.

Independent design and execution of experiments is expected.

Ability to perform all basic calculations related to buffer composition (Molarity, dilution factor, etc.) is necessary.

Should be able to develop a short term vision for their project.

Communication skills are essential.