Research Scientist/Engineer 4 at UW in Seattle, WA

Job description

Job Description The Department of Biochemistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 4 to join their team. About this Opportunity This position will conduct research on the allosteric regulation of enzymes in intermediary metabolism, with a focus on metabolic enzymes that self-assemble into large macromolecular structures as a mode of regulation, a primary research aim of the Kollman laboratory. The position will use structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to investigate structure-function relationships in key metabolic enzymes that are important therapeutic targets, with cryo-EM structure determination as a central technique. The position may also support other laboratory projects related to the intracellular organization of metabolism, including structural studies of cytoskeletal components and protein assemblies important to bacterial cell biology. Purpose of research: The Kollman laboratory investigates intermediary metabolism through two major lines of research: (1) the fundamental enzymology of reactions that are rate-limiting or sit at key branch points in metabolic pathways, and (2) how the spatiotemporal organization of these enzymes in the cell affects flux through these pathways. The laboratory has made critical discoveries about how allosteric ligand binding controls the higher-order assembly and activity of enzymes in nucleotide biosynthesis. Work with collaborating laboratories has further shown how changes in the assembly and localization of these enzymes affect cell and organismal physiology. Because these enzymes are important to human health, the laboratory also investigates the biochemistry underlying clinical variants that are associated with immunological and neurodevelopmental disorders. The overarching goal is to translate fundamental discoveries about these enzymes into an improved understanding of human disease that drives therapeutic development for disorders of nucleotide metabolism. Key Responsibilities This position is for an independent research scientist who will identify and pursue new research directions within the scope of the Kollman laboratory’s mission, with minimal oversight from the principal investigator. The scientist will plan and manage multiple research projects, including generating hypotheses, designing experimental approaches, analyzing and interpreting data, and communicating results through manuscripts and presentations at scientific conferences. The scientist will initially assist the principal investigator in developing research grants, with the expectation of developing and writing their own proposals over time. The work requires developing new approaches and methods to address complex biological questions that call for in-depth analysis by an experienced researcher. The scientist will establish technical expertise in structural biology and protein biochemistry, along with comprehensive knowledge of the cell metabolism and biology relevant to the laboratory’s work, and will serve as a resource to colleagues in the laboratory and the Department of Biochemistry. The position may supervise and mentor junior staff, such as technicians and undergraduate research assistants, and will provide input on laboratory staffing, including identifying and evaluating candidates for open positions. The scientist will also identify new research opportunities and potential collaborators at the University and contribute to the strategic research directions of the laboratory in collaboration with the principal investigator. Major duties and responsibilities: • Conduct laboratory experiments and analyze data for ongoing research projects (40%) • Plan, manage, and coordinate multiple research projects (15%) • Supervise and train junior laboratory staff in experimental design, procedures, and analysis (15%) • Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals (10%) • Develop, write, and secure research grants for new projects that extend the laborator