Senior Staff Scientist

Department

BSD BMB - Rock Lab

About the Department

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology studies how biomolecules function and interact to drive the complex, diverse, and adaptive behaviors of living systems. Our focus is on biological mechanisms described at the atomic level. We are highly collaboratory and often employ multiple approaches to address otherwise intractable questions. We have particular strengths in membrane proteins and RNA biochemistry and are pioneers in all areas of biophysics, structural biology, biochemistry, and protein engineering and design. Please explore our programs further at https://biochem.uchicago.edu/. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Job Summary

The Senior Staff Scientist will work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary laboratory at the University of Chicago that studies the structure, regulation, and function of myosin superfamily molecular motors and their associated cellular architectures. The current research focuses on defining how post-translational modifications regulate myosin activity, how targeted chemical probes modulate myosin function and reshape cellular transcriptional landscapes, and how myosins contribute to the structure of filopodia and cell motility.

The successful candidate will employ a broad range of biophysical and biochemical approaches, including site-directed mutagenesis, single-molecule fluorescence, optical tweezers, interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy, and cryo–electron microscopy/tomography (cryo-EM/ET), to address these questions. The Senior Staff Scientist will play a leadership role in the lab’s dynamic training environment, collaborate closely with biochemists, cell biologists, oncologists, and computational scientists, and take the lead in preparing manuscripts and reports for NIH and other funding agencies.

Responsibilities

• Investigates the structure, regulation, and function of myosin motors and associated cellular structures using tools from biophysics and biochemistry.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Develops laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage, analyze and make recommendations on complex data sets for research.
• Creates first drafts for scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Prior experience preparing reports for federal funding agencies, industrial collaborators, or in support of patent applications.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, cell and tissue culture, microscopy, transcriptomics, and/or flow cytometry.
• A multifaceted research background, with demonstrated ability to pivot to new scientific questions and adopt new experimental techniques.
• Comfort designing and implementing novel experimental protocols that extend published methods, guided by independent scientific judgment and prior experience.
• Proven experience providing hands-on training and mentorship to other laboratory members.

​Preferred Competencies

• Effective communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.
• Weekend/Evening hours as needed.
• Travel as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$80,000.00 - $100,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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