The Murray Lab in the Department of Molecular and Cell
Biology at the University of Connecticut is seeking a postdoctoral researcher
to join our team in the investigation of biomolecular condensates. The
laboratory uses a variety of experimental biophysical tools to investigate the
microscopic, atomic resolution, underpinnings of functional and pathogenic
protein and nucleic acid assemblies at macroscopic length scales. A successful
candidate will join our growing research team and lead two research projects
pertaining to the molecular mechanisms of biomolecular assembly for RNA granule
proteins and intermediate filament proteins. The position is NIH-funded
(R35GM142892).

 

The Murray Lab is excited about our recent relocation to UConn
and is looking for an eager individual to join our team and expand our research
operations at the new location. We have exciting new results that are not
formal preprints, but will be described during a potential interview. Some of
our published work is linked below.

RNA Granule Proteins:

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.27.601048v1

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.2c08596

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.1c02424

 

Intermediate Filament Proteins:

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.30.596698v1

https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2010000117

https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2022121118

 

The Murray Lab has access to cryo-electron microscopy
instrumentation through the recently installed Tundra microscope at UConn
Health and nearby Titan Krios equipped facilities like the NYSBC national
center. UConn is home to a wide range of other core facilities for biophysical
characterization. Access to high-field NMR instruments for solid and solution
state samples at UConn Storrs and UConn Health. Magic angle spinning
instruments include the installation of a 700 MHz with several room temperature
probes this fall and an installation of an additional 700 MHz spectrometer with
a cryogenic MAS probe in 2025. Solution state instruments include 800, 600, and
500 MHz spectrometers with cryogenic probes.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

–      
Ph.D. in Biophysics or
related field (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Molecular Biology)

–      
Demonstrated ability to
lead a research project

–      
High research productivity
level

–      
Strong written and oral
communication skills

–      
Excellent organizational
and interpersonal skills

 

Preferred Qualifications:

–      
Experience with either NMR,
cryo-electron microscopy, or crystallography to characterize protein structure
and/or dynamics at atomic resolution

–      
Experience handling
proteins prone to biomolecular condensation

–      
Experience using prokaryotic
or eukaryotic microorganisms to produce recombinant proteins in milligram-scale
quantities at exceptional purity

–      
Experience analyzing and
presenting scientific data with a programming language like Python

 

Appointment Terms:

 

The position is a full-time, 12-month appointment. The
position is renewable annually based on performance, budget, and departmental
needs. The pay scale is consistent with the NIH guidelines and the collective
bargaining agreement governing postdoctoral researchers at the University of
Connecticut.

 

To Apply:

 

Send a cover letter explaining interest and fit for the
position, along with a curriculum vitae and contact information for three
professional references to dylan.murray@uconn.edu.
Provide PDF copies of manuscripts submitted or in progress if desired. Review
of the applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is
filled. Successful candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.