Summary:

We are looking for a researcher to join the Veglia Lab in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics at the University of Minnesota. This position is funded by the NIH and aims to characterize cancer-driver mutations in protein kinases both functionally and structurally. The researcher will conduct molecular biology and biochemistry experiments, which will include cloning, mutagenesis, and overexpression and purification of protein kinases. Additionally, the researcher will perform biochemical and biophysical assays, maintain clear and comprehensive scientific records, and manage essential lab maintenance tasks, such as overseeing reagent stocks and ordering supplies.


Essential Functions:

10%    Molecular Biology and Cell Culture including:

PCR of diverse DNA templates; PCR primer design and optimization; PCR reaction optimization;

Plasmid design including design of expression plasmids for recombinant protein expression in bacteria, insect, and mammalian cells;

Plasmid mutagenesis.


30% Protein biochemical and biophysical assays

ATPase assays, optical spectroscopy, protein thermal stability, protein-protein interaction characterization.


50%    Recombinant Protein Expression and Purification and Crystallography

Protein expression in Bacteria cells;

Protein purification using affinity tags;

Protein purification using chromatography systems.



10%    General Laboratory Maintenance

Inventory and organize laboratory materials; maintain general working order of laboratory; Assist in ordering materials for laboratory work.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

·    Bachelorâ™s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.

·    1-3 years of hands-on laboratory experience with recombinant protein expression in E. coli, yeast, insect, or mammalian systems

·    Proficiency in protein purification techniques, including affinity chromatography (e.g., His-tag, GST), ion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography

·    Experience using FPLC systems (e.g., ÄKTA) for protein purification

·    Familiarity with protein characterization techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, BCA assays, and UV spectrophotometry

·    Knowledge of setting up and optimizing enzymatic or biochemical activity assays

·    Sterile technique and experience with bacterial culture and molecular cloning methods

·    Ability to follow laboratory protocols and maintain detailed, accurate laboratory notebooks and records

·    Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting

Preferred Qualifications:

·    Masterâ™s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field

·    Familiarity with laboratory software (e.g., Excel, Origin, GraphPad Prism) for data analysis and reporting


·    Enthusiasm for troubleshooting and optimizing protocols to improve yield and activity of purified proteins

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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