| Description: Provides expertise in support of research projects in engineering, biology, mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, etc. Prepares and edits research papers, proposal, and reports. Performs advanced testing procedures and analyses of data. May prepare samples for testing. Performs advanced testing procedure and performs analyses of data. Makes uses of a variety of specialized equipment typical within area of specialization. May contribute to grant proposal development.
1. Ensures experiments are performed according to specifications.
2. May make recommendations to changes in procedure, processes, or experimental design.
3. Understands and applies fundamental theoretical concepts.
4. Develops understanding of advanced theoretical concepts.
5. Work is varied and somewhat difficult. Originality and ingenuity is required.
6. Receives direct supervision referring complex situation to higher levels.
Description:
The Department of Chemistry in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston invites applications for a Researcher 3 Nat Phys Science position in the laboratory of Dr. Tai-Yen Chen. The Researcher will contribute to an active research program focused on single-molecule biophysics, super-resolution microscopy, quantitative analysis of membrane protein organization in cells, copper homeostasis, subcellular redox biology, membrane trafficking, and human stem cell engineering. This position requires a scientist with advanced technical expertise in the Chen laboratory’s established experimental systems and analytical approaches, including super-resolution localization microscopy, quantitative analysis of membrane protein oligomeric states in cells, CRISPR-based engineering of human embryonic stem cells, fluorescent knock-in line generation, and mechanistic studies of copper-regulated protein behavior. The successful candidate is expected to contribute immediately and independently to ongoing projects with minimal additional training.
Duties
• Design, perform, and optimize experiments involving cell-based super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule imaging to quantify protein behaviors in living and fixed cells.
• Conduct quantitative studies of membrane protein oligomeric states, spatial organization, and trafficking-related behaviors in cells.
• Lead and support projects focused on CTR1 regulation, copper-dependent protein behaviors, intracellular copper responses, and subcellular antioxidant defense mechanisms.
• Design and execute experiments examining the relationships among copper homeostasis, membrane trafficking, redox biology, and neuronal relevance.
• Generate, maintain, and validate genetically modified human embryonic stem cell lines expressing fluorescence-tagged proteins relevant to the laboratory’s research program.
• Perform CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering, clone isolation, genotyping, sequencing validation, and related molecular biology procedures.
• Develop and apply fluorescence-labeling strategies involving mEos-tagged, SNAP-tagged, and other genetically encoded fluorescent protein systems.
• Support projects involving proteins central to the lab’s research program, including CTR1and ATOX1.
• Analyze imaging, molecular, and cell-based datasets with strong attention to rigor, reproducibility, and quantitative interpretation.
• Assist in manuscript preparation, figure development, protocol refinement, and training of junior researchers in specialized laboratory methods.
Required Qualifications
• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.
• Extensive research experience in cell-based imaging, biophysical analysis, molecular cell biology, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise in super-resolution microscopy and/or single-molecule fluorescence imaging applied to biological problems in cells.
• Proven experience in quantitative analysis of membrane protein organization, oligomeric states, or localization-based measurements in cells.
• Strong experience in human embryonic stem cell culture and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering.
• Demonstrated experience generating and validating genetically modified or knock-in human stem cell lines expressing fluorescently tagged proteins.
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning, plasmid construction, donor design, PCR genotyping, sequence validation, and clone screening.
• Prior research experience related to copper homeostasis, CTR1 biology, ATOX1 biology, membrane trafficking, or redox biology.
• Evidence of strong scholarly productivity through peer-reviewed publications in relevant areas.
• Ability to work independently and maintain high productivity on technically demanding, multidisciplinary research projects.
Preferred Qualifications
• Direct experience studying copper-induced regulation of CTR1, including cell-based analysis of protein oligomeric-state changes and copper-responsive trafficking-related behavior.
• Prior work on subcellular redox responses and compartment-specific antioxidant defense mechanisms.
• Experience connecting membrane trafficking machinery with copper homeostasis in neuronal or stem cell-related biological systems.
• Demonstrated experience generating human embryonic stem cell lines expressing mEos4b-tagged CTR1 or fluorescently tagged ATOX1 or related proteins.
• Familiarity with the conceptual and practical challenges of super-resolution microscopy for biophysical research, including sample preparation, labeling strategy, quantitative interpretation, and technical limitations.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute across an integrated research pipeline spanning molecular biology, stem cell engineering, fluorescence tagging, mechanistic imaging, quantitative analysis, and manuscript preparation..
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
• Cover letter describing research experience and fit for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references
MQ: Bachelor's Degree with 1 year experience. |
