Staff Scientist - Molecular & Structural Biology

Position Description:

The Protein Technology Core, Center for Structural Biology (CSB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recruiting a Staff Scientist in Frederick, Maryland. The position supports scientific efforts in becoming the center of excellence in protein production, high-throughput screening, and physical biochemistry needed to support a state-of-the-art structural biology environment. Additionally, the staff scientist will conduct research in the area of host-pathogen interactions and innate immune system regulation. 

The successful applicant will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment with an extensive network of intramural and extramural researchers. We envisage that the staff scientist will contribute substantially to project design, supporting the needs of the Center. Duties will include the construct assembly, production, and purification of individual proteins and multiprotein complexes using a variety of expression systems and purification strategies suitable for structural and functional studies. An essential skill in the successful candidate will be the ability to follow the trends in the state of the art in protein chemistry and transform novel ideas appropriately into our research programs and activities. 

About NCI's Center for Cancer Research

The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is an intramural research component of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). CCR’s enabling infrastructure facilitates clinical studies at the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest dedicated clinical research complex; provides extensive opportunities for collaboration; and allows scientists and clinicians to undertake high-impact laboratory- and clinic-based investigations. Investigators are supported by a wide array of intellectual, technological, and research resources. For an overview of CCR, please visit 

http://ccr.cancer.gov/

.

Qualifications:

Candidates should have substantial documented expertise in structural biology and experience in the purification and characterization of protein samples suitable for high-quality structural studies as well as the ability to utilize and adapt existing technologies and incorporate novel technologies to improve sample preparation. 

The staff scientist recruited will need to demonstrate: (1) full expertise in the preparation of protein samples for structural biology (choice of cloning strategies including synthetic gene construction, affinity tagging, and chemical labeling, chromatographic small-volume purification strategies); (2) expertise in the production of multiprotein complexes and protein-nucleic acid complexes for structural studies, (3) expertise in modern molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, Gibson assembly; (4) experience in the characterization of proteins including dynamic light scattering, size exclusion chromatography, circular dichroism, thermal stability assays, and determination of affinities and rate constants using biophysical instrumentation; (5) experience in nanofluidic automated crystallization, crystal manipulation, cryogenic protection;  and (6) broad awareness of the developing landscape of techniques to include awareness of literature on small protein binders, designed de novo and nanobody-derived, as aids for structure determination. This will require experience at the post-doctoral level of at least four years plus evidence of being up to date with knowledge of the current state of the art. A desirable skill is the ability to perform radiometric assays to quantitate turnover and estimate enzyme kinetic parameters. Another area that would be a significant plus is documented experience with handling small molecule inhibitors and engaging in rational drug discovery using structural biology approaches.

The successful applicant will manage and mentor other staff members and direct their work, be able to write reports on work packages completed and to plan future directions for the facility in an independent fashion. Ability to collaborate with other PIs within and outside the CSB and to train fellows will also be required. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, as well as a strong record of publications that provide evidence of their expertise.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.  A full benefits package is available, including retirement, health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, annual and sick leave, and Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent).  This position is not restricted to U.S. citizens.

As a condition of employment, all federal employees must be

fully vaccinated

against COVID-19.  During the onboarding process, if selected, you must provide proof of vaccination.  An official job offer and continued employment is contingent on this requirement.  For more information on this requirement, visit the

Safer Federal Workforce

page on vaccines. If you need a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit 

Vaccines.gov

.

Due to COVID-19, we are currently operating in a maximum telework state. If selected, you may be expected to telework. As employees to return to the office, you may be required to report to the location listed on this announcement within 30 calendar days of receiving notice, even if your home/temporary telework site is located outside the local commuting area. At the discretion of the supervisor and NIH policy, you may be eligible for workplace flexibilities, which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling.  These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with

NIH Workplace Flexibilities

guidance. 

To Apply:

Please send cover letter,

curriculum vitae

, statement of research interest and the names and contact information for three references to

[email protected]

.

Applications must be received on or before December 17, 2021 for consideration

This position is subject to a background investigation.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs. HHS, NIH, and NCI are Equal Opportunity Employers