Postdoctoral Fellow

Details

Posted: 23-Feb-24

Location: Northampton, Massachusetts

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: R-202300755

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected] .

Chemistry
Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Chemistry at Smith College invites applications for a 2-year benefits-eligible Postdoctoral Fellow within the laboratory of Dr. Lesley-Ann Giddings.

The Giddings lab studies microbial secondary metabolism in extreme environments and seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to perform directed evolution on enzymes involved natural product biosynthesis. A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biology, or related areas is expected by the time of appointment and the desired start date is Spring 2024. Women, historically underrepresented
minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The goal of this National Science Foundation-funded 2-year fellowship is to characterize and evolve siderophore biosynthetic enzymes to accept unnatural substrates using a yeast-based assay. Specific experimental goals include optimizing a high throughput yeast-based screen for directed evolution, preparing mutant and DNA libraries, metagenomic sequencing, protein expression and purification, and enzyme kinetics. Relevant publications include PLOS ONE,
PMID: 33784308 and PMID: 32785287. An ideal candidate will preferably have expertise in performing protein engineering in yeast, metagenomic sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses. Other responsibilities include co-writing peer-reviewed articles, mentoring undergraduate researchers in the laboratory, and participating in weekly lab meetings. Participation in teaching undergraduate courses is possible although not required. Financial support for conferences/workshop travel and career development will also be provided.

The Department of Chemistry has state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation, and our faculty are lead active research programs with undergraduate students. The Smith College Clark Science Center houses several centers, including the Center for Mass Spectrometry, Center for Molecular Biology, Center for Microscopy and Imaging, and the Center for Aqueous Biogeochemical
Research, which is staffed with experienced personnel who teach and work alongside researchers to help them meet their scientific goals. The Sherrerd Center for Teaching and Learning provides workshops and resources for those interested developing best practices for effective and inclusive teaching.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in chemistry, biology, chemical or biomedical engineering, or a related discipline.

SKILLS
Mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, enzyme kinetics, and the ability to write scientific manuscripts in a timely manner.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please contact Lesley-Ann Giddings ([email protected]) with any questions.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter including the names of 2 references, curriculum vitae, and 1-2 page research summary detailing past/future research interests.

We seek to pay competitively and equitably based on factors such as the position and individual qualifications. While actual pay will vary based on these factors, target pay is generally around 50k to 60k.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.
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You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

March 4, 2024

Compensation Grade:

Grade X Exempt

Position Type:

Fixed Term

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected] .

As set forth in our mission and values , Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.