Postdoctoral Research Associate - Arts & Sciences

Position Summary

Postdoctoral positions available with Michael Gross, Mass Spectrometry Research Resource, Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Chemistry to develop MS-based methods and apply them in protein biophysics and structural proteomics of membrane proteins, viral proteins, and amyloid-forming proteins. The research utilizes Fast Photochemical Oxidation of Proteins (FPOP), H/D amide exchange, other protein footprinting, native MS, and ion mobility. 

Membrane protein research is in collaboration with Weikai Li, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the WU School of Medicine. The position provides opportunities for advancing MS-based structural methods in membrane proteins, a frontier in structural biology, and to learn protein expression and purification as needed.

Viral protein research emphasizes both fundamentals, structure, and interactions with other proteins and antibodies (epitope mapping) for JEV, Zika, Marburg, Ebola, Yellow Fever, Rift Valley Fever, and SARS-CoV-2. This research is in collaboration with G Amarasinghe, D Leung, D Fremont, and M Diamond of WU School of Medicine.

Amyloid protein research focuses on Ab in Alzheimer’s Disease and aSynuclein in Parkinson’s Disease to develop and apply protein footprinting during aggregation and their interaction with inhibitors culminating in the study of Ab in reprogrammed neurons in collaboration with A Yoo of WU School of Medicine.

The laboratory is staffed by two staff scientists, four Ph.D. students, and four postdoctoral students.  Instruments include Bruker timsTOF Pro2, 2 Thermo QE orbitraps, a 12 T Bruker FTICR, 3 Bruker MaXis High Performance QToF, one with a Leap Robot for HDX, a Thermo Orbitrap, a Thermo EMR for native MS, and a Waters Synapt G2.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ .

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or biophysics and have experience in mass spectrometry and protein science.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

To apply, please send a CV and arrange three electronic reference letters to Dr. Michael L Gross at [email protected] .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.