Research Associate- Structural Biologist

Research Associate- Structural Biologist

Job Posting Title :

Research Associate- Structural Biologist

Hiring Department :

Molecular Biosciences

Position Open To : All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours :

40

FLSA Status : Exempt

Earliest Start Date :

Immediately

Position Duration :

Expected to Continue Until Mar 05, 2026

Location : AUSTIN, TX

Job Details : Purpose

Carry out research in structural biology and biochemistry of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes and their nucleic acid complexes.

Responsibilities

Express, purify, and characterize full-length and deletion constructs of group II intron and other non-LTR retroelement reverse transcriptase and related proteins for structural analysis and biotechnological applications using Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) and other methods. Characterize wild-type and mutant proteins biochemically via enzymatic assays and determine conditions for obtaining diffraction quality crystals and / or for cryo-electron microscopy analysis of proteins and protein / nucleic acid complexes. Carry out biochemical and biophysical assays.

Obtain structures of reverse transcriptase and related enzymes and their nucleic acid-protein complexes by X-ray diffraction and / or cryo-EM structures.

Write manuscripts and assist in the preparation of reports, abstracts, manuscripts, and proposals. Make presentations at lab meetings. Attend lab meetings and other meetings. Order chemicals and supplies specific to current project.

Provide instruction, assistance, and mentoring to graduate students.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in structural biology and / or biochemistry with demonstrated productivity in these areas. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in structural biology and / or biochemistry with at least five years' experience and demonstrated research productivity on enzymes that bind nucleic acids and / or protein-nucleic acid complexes.

Salary Range

$60,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Personal protection equipment (furnished)

May work around chemical fumes

May work around standard office conditions

May work around bio-hazards

May work around chemicals

Required Materials

Current curriculum vitae

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to submit a minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of The University of Texas at Austin. (Hiring PI / supervisor cannot be a reference.) If selected, the letters of reference may be emailed to mbs_hr@austin.utexas.edu

Letter of Interest

Important for Applicants :

For applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers : You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

For Current university employees and contingent workers : As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu, and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled into your application.

Employment Eligibility :

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion / transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Background Checks :

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer :

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action.

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