Summary

A Staff Scientist position in Molecular and Cellular Biology is available in Dr. Lisa McClendon’s laboratory in Bert O’Malley’s group. Seeking a molecular biologist with demonstrated expertise in transcriptional coactivator activity to join a research-driven team focused on gene regulation, chromatin remodeling, and transcriptional control. The Staff Scientist will possess hands-on experience in dissecting the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional coactivators, their interactions with transcription factors, and their roles in gene expression and cellular signaling pathways.

Ideal candidate will be able to begin employment asap or prior to end of July.

Job Duties

• Design, execute, and interpret experiments investigating the function and mechanisms of transcriptional coactivators in eukaryotic gene regulation.
• Characterize the recruitment and assembly of coactivator complexes at gene promoters and enhancers, including chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), protein-protein interaction assays, and advanced imaging techniques.
• Study the interplay between transcription factors and coactivators, focusing on how coactivators facilitate chromatin remodeling, histone modifications (e.g., acetylation, methylation), and RNA polymerase II recruitment.
• Analyze the role of specific coactivator complexes (e.g., SRC-1, SRC-2, and SRC-3, CBP/p300) in transcriptional activation and their integration of upstream signaling events.
• Investigate the dynamic behavior of coactivator complexes using structural biology approaches (e.g., cryo-EM, FRET), proteomics, and quantitative interactomics.
• Contribute to the understanding of coactivator-mediated chromatin looping and enhancer-promoter communication.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to study the impact of coactivator function on cellular differentiation, development, and response to environmental cues.
• Prepare scientific reports, manuscripts, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree. Experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Three years of post doctoral research experience.

Department Specific Criteria

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field with a focus on transcriptional regulation.
• Extensive laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques relevant to transcriptional coactivator research (e.g., ChIP, co-immunoprecipitation, gene expression analysis, chromatin accessibility assays).
• Deep understanding of the structure, function, and assembly of transcriptional coactivator complexes and their roles in gene expression.
• Experience with functional genomics, proteomics, or structural biology is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex biological data.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills