Research Associate 2

Department: Biology Salary: Commensurate with Experience/Education
Description:

Works under the direction of a faculty member. Provides expertise in the design, operation and analysis of experiments or research projects in areas such as chemistry, biology, psychology, sociology, mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, optometry, all fields of engineering, etc. May prepare samples for testing. Performs advanced testing procedures and performs analyses of data. Prepares reports. Makes uses of a variety of specialized equipment typical within area of specialization. May contribute to grant proposal development.

• Ensures experiments or research efforts are performed according to specifications.
• May make recommendations to changes in procedures, processes, or experimental design.
• May prepare and/or edit research papers, proposals and reports.
• Possesses, understands, and applies an advanced knowledge crossing fields of specialization to develop unique and new approaches or ideas.
• Understands and uses effective management techniques.
• Designs, operates and analyzes multiple large and/or complex experiments or research projects.
• Reviews progress of projects. May serve as liaison with other areas of specialization to obtain support or technical expertise for projects.
• Defines procedures or processes to be used in the research investigations.
• May personally conduct important and/or technically complex investigations.
• Operates with wide latitude for unreviewed action subject only to institutional policies and guidelines and ethical considerations.
• Provides direction and supervision of graduate and undergraduate research assistants involved in experiments or research.

Additional Posting Information:
A newly established interdisciplinary research group in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Associate to help establish and lead the laboratory's experimental research program focused on protein aggregation and neurodegenerative diseases.

Our research integrates AI- and physics-based modeling, molecular simulations, and biophysical/biochemical experiments to uncover the molecular mechanisms, transition states, and critical seed structures that drive the aggregation of intrinsically disordered proteins associated with neurodegenerative disorders, including tau, amyloid-beta, and alpha-synuclein. Computational predictions are tested experimentally through a broad range of biochemical, biophysical, molecular, and cellular approaches.
The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and leading the wet-lab component of the research program while working closely with a team of computational scientists.

Responsibilities:

• Perform fluorescence-based protein aggregation assays to monitor fibril formation, nucleation, and growth.
• Conduct transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies to visualize fibril morphology and aggregation products.
• Establish, optimize, and standardize experimental workflows for protein aggregation and biochemical studies.
• Express, purify, and characterize recombinant proteins relevant to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Design, handle, and characterize synthetic peptides.
• Perform protein chemistry experiments, including quantitative characterization of protein stability, interactions, and function.
• Design and perform kinetic experiments, including kinetic characterization and data analysis.
• Perform binding assays to characterize the affinities and activities of computationally designed ligands, inhibitors, and protein binders.
• Provide scientific leadership and technical guidance in the wet-lab program and assist with mentoring junior laboratory members.
• Contribute to laboratory setup, manuscript preparation, grant applications, scientific presentations, and collaborative projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry.
• A minimum of 10 years of research experience after Ph.D.
• Extensive hands-on experience in protein chemistry experiments.
• Demonstrated experience with kinetics experiments, including quantitative analysis, and interpretation.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular and cellular assays.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, with a minimum of 5 peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work independently, lead experimental projects, troubleshoot complex experiments, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with one or more of the biophysical and biochemical techniques such as FPLC/SEC, SEC-MALS, DLS, SPR