Postdoctoral Associate

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We are currently seeking an innovative and self-driven Postdoctoral Associate to work within the lab of Dr. Kim Orth, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. The individual in this role will have the opportunity to conduct research on bacterial pathogens for projects using various biochemistry and biophysics techniques.

The Orth Lab is interested in elucidating the activity of virulence factors from pathogenic bacteria. The lab strives to gain novel molecular insight into the virulence mechanisms caused by effectors as well as the eukaryotic signaling systems they emulate or target. The lab is working on bacterial T3SS systems, their regulators and their secreted effectors to understand how signaling systems in the eukaryotic host can be manipulated by bacterial pathogens. These studies provide novel insight into the molecular workings of eukaryotic signal transduction. The labs work at UT Southwestern is accomplished using a broad range of tools, including biochemistry, molecular microbiology, protein chemistry, structural biology, yeast genetics, cell biology, and more.

More information about the lab, and team, can be found on our website:

Application Instructions:

Please include the following items in one PDF as part of your application:

• A cover letter including a summary of your research experience, your career goals, your expertise in the relevant field(s) and why you are interested in the Orth lab.
• Your curriculum vitae includes a list of publications with brief (2-3 sentences) descriptions of your contributions to the published work.
• Names and contact information for at least 3 references.

What We Provide:

• Being part of a unique and diverse lab group.
• Training opportunities via presentations hosted and arranged by UT Southwestern.
• Opportunities for professional development, including authorship of research publications, collaboration with other labs, presentation at conferences, ethics courses and mentorship experience.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

What You Bring:

• PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field.
• Experience and knowledge of structural biology, enzymology, and/or cryo-EM.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative group environment.
• Effective communication skills, self-motivation, and a strong work ethic.
• Excellent organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.