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Junior Specialist - Department of Chemistry

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Position description

Overview

This person will take part in NIH-sponsored research on the role of protein dynamics in vitamin B6-dependent (PLP) enzyme catalysis. They will be a core part of the research effort and will be expected to perform biophysical experiments of very high quality that can be published in major research journals. They will be responsible for measuring precise enzyme kinetics over a wide range of temperatures and performing detailed analyses of the data. They will also be responsible for performing stopped-flow rapid reaction kinetics on enzymes over a wide temperature range. These data will be used to extract differences in heat capacity between ground and transition states, which will be related to protein dynamics using molecular dynamics simulations. Additional research projects on PLP enzyme mechanisms are available. The applicant must have experience performing biophysical experiments that focus on high precision and reproducibility. They must be capable of coming up with creative ideas for insightful experiments based on data collected to date, and they will be required to provide creative interpretations of data and syntheses of ideas into larger scientific pictures that will be incorporated into publications. They will present results at conferences as appropriate.

Major Responsibilities and Designated Areas of Expertise
I. Research (80%)
15% Express, purify, and characterize recombinant enzymes from E coli.
45% Measure steady-state enzyme kinetics over a wide temperature range for the purified enzymes.
20% Measure stopped-flow rapid kinetics on the purified enzymes

II. Professional Competence and Activity (10%)
10% Participate in professional/technical group meetings related to the research area, as appropriate; review journal manuscripts and publications as needed.

III. University and Public Service (10%)
10% Mentor undergraduate students in lab.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

a bachelor of science degree in either biochemistry or chemistry

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04665

Help contact: hfwwang@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

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Job location

Davis, CA