Details
Posted: 22-Nov-23
Location: Northampton, Massachusetts
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: R-202300755
If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
Chemistry
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Chemistry at Smith College invites applications for a 2-year, full-time, benefits-eligible Postdoctoral Fellow within the laboratory of Dr. Lesley-Ann Giddings. The Giddings lab studies microbial secondary metabolism in extreme environments and seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research on the kinetic characterization and evolution of enzymes involved in siderophore biosynthesis. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation grant, CAREER: Characterization and Evolution of N-hydroxylase Biocatalysts: Solutions to Catalysis and Remediating Metal Pollution. A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biology or related areas is expected by the time of appointment and the desired start date is Spring 2024. Women, historically underrepresented minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The goal of the project is to use a yeast-based activity screen to directly evolve siderophore biosynthetic enzymes to accept unnatural substrates as well as characterize new enzymes from metal-polluted environments. Specific experimental goals include developing and using a high throughput yeast-based screen for directed evolution, preparing mutant and DNA libraries, performing metagenomic sequencing, protein expression and purification, and enzyme kinetics. Relevant publications include PLOS ONE, PMID: 33784308 and PMID: 32785287. Other responsibilities include co-writing peer-reviewed articles, mentoring undergraduate researchers in the laboratory, and participating in weekly lab meetings. Participation in undergraduate courses is possible although not required. Candidates will also be provided financial support for conferences/workshop travel and career development.
The Department of Chemistry have state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation, and our faculty are dedicated to active research programs with undergraduate students. The Smith College Clark Science Center houses several centers, including the Center for Mass Spectrometry, Center for Molecular Biology, Center for Microscopy and Imaging, and the Center for Aqueous Geochemical Research, which is staffed with experienced personnel who teach and work alongside researchers to help them meet their scientific goals. The Sherrerd Center for Teaching and Learning provides workshops and resources for those interested developing best practices for effective and inclusive teaching.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in chemistry, biology, chemical or biomedical engineering, or a related discipline.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
An ideal candidate will have expertise in performing protein engineering in yeast, metagenomic sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses.
SKILLS
Mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, enzyme kinetics, and the ability to write scientific manuscripts in a timely manner.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please contact Lesley-Ann Giddings (lgiddings@smith.edu) with any questions.
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter including the names of 2 references, curriculum vitae, and 1-2 page research summary detailing past/future research interests.
We seek to pay competitively and equitably based on factors such as the position and individual qualifications. While actual pay will vary based on these factors, target pay is generally around 50k to 60k.
Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.
You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.
Review of applications will begin
November 21, 2023
Compensation Grade:
Grade X Exempt
Position Type:
Fixed Term
About Smith College
Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.
