Summary of Position Scientist to join an accelerating and highly collaborative research group in the University of Minnesota Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics. The primary focus of the laboratory is engineering proteins to be used in gene-therapy and immunotherapy. To achieve this, the research team uses a wide range of approaches in fields of molecular biosciences with an emphasis on protein biochemistry and structural biology.
The researcher will assist in carrying out large-scale molecular biology workflows including cloning, mutagenesis, and protein engineering in disease focused projects.
The researcher will assist in performing high-throughput biochemical assays of a wide range of complexities, and assist in assay development.
The researcher will keep clear and extensive records of scientific work and perform basic lab maintenance including reagent stock management and ordering. The researcher will participate in weekly laboratory meetings to discuss ongoing research with the research team.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
30% Molecular Biology and Cell Culture
Perform the following under the supervision of experienced Laboratory personnel. DNA & RNA isolation and sequencing; Nucleic acid gel electrophoresis; PCR of diverse DNA templates; PCR primer design and optimization; PCR reaction optimization; Construction of plasmids of varying size using a variety of methods including conventional restriction enzyme ligation approaches, Gibson Assembly and/or Golden Gate Cloning: Culture and maintenance of mammalian cell lines.
30% Protein biochemical and biophysical assays Perform the following under the supervision of experienced Laboratory personnel. Elisa, Western blotting.
30% Recombinant Protein Expression and Purification
Perform the following under the supervision of experienced Laboratory personnel. Protein expression in Bacteria. Protein purification using affinity tags.
10% General Laboratory Maintenance
Inventory and organize laboratory materials, Maintain general working order of laboratory, Assist in ordering materials for laboratory work.
Supervision: These tasks will be under the direction of the supervisor
All required qualifications must be included in the application materials
Minimum Qualifications: BA/BS in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, or related field, Or a combination of related education and experience to equal four years. No prior laboratory experience required. Ability to carry out research protocols from written or oral instructions by supervisor. Ability to troubleshoot work effort is a key qualification.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in Molecular Biology, Mammalian Cell culture, or Protein expression and purification experience or course training in related areas.
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.