Postdoctoral Researcher - Biophysics

Summary

We are seeking a motivated and creative postdoctoral researcher to advance the development of innovative sample handling instrumentation for high-throughput, high-sensitivity EPR spectroscopy, with the goal of broadening EPR applications to biological and biomedical systems. Newly developed technologies will be directly applied to investigate the structure and dynamics of proteins and protein complexes using saturation transfer EPR (ST-EPR) — a technique uniquely suited to characterizing rotational diffusion on biologically relevant timescales. The successful candidate will serve as the biological arm of the laboratory, bridging cutting-edge instrumentation development with rigorous biochemical and biophysical characterization.

The position requires expertise in spin-label EPR methods, particularly ST-EPR, and a working familiarity with protein expression, purification, and site-directed spin labeling (SDSL). In addition to continuous-wave techniques, the laboratory employs pulsed EPR methods including DEER/PELDOR spectroscopy for nanometer-scale distance measurements in proteins. The candidate will be expected to contribute to experimental design, data acquisition and analysis, and manuscript preparation across both instrumentation-focused and biologically-driven projects.

We have free access to eight internally developed and commercial EPR spectrometers housed within the Department of Biophysics. For a complete list of resources, see https://www.mcw.edu/departments/national-biomedical-epr-center/facilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise and independently execute studies related to the project described above, including performing experiments, analyzing data, and disseminating results through presenting at conferences and writing manuscripts.

• Work with an extensive network of world-class collaborators to study a variety of protein complexes, and the post-doctoral fellow is expected to take an active role in one or more of these projects.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

Ideal candidates will have experience expertise in one or more of the following:

• Magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance

• Hardware/software interfacing

• Python, MATLAB, LabView, C/C++

• Mammalian cell culture and purification of functional membrane proteins embedded in a micelle or lipid (nanodisc) environment

• Site-directed mutagenesis for site-specific incorporation of spectroscopic probes (e.g. spin labels or fluorescent labels)

• Excellent writing skills, as evidenced by first author publications

Qualifications

Minimum Required Education: PhD

Minimum Required Experience: 0 years

Preferred Education: PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or similar

Preferred Experience: Expertise in structural biology

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options

• 403B Retirement Package

• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Paid Parental Leave

• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

• Pet Insurance

• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes

• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

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