Research Assistant Senior

A Research Assistant II position is open to provide support to a project between Oak Ridge National Lab and Meharry Medical College + Fisk University. The individual will work closely with students (undergrad/grad/medical), postdoctoral fellows, and the laboratory manager in a dynamic laboratory environment. The key role of the RA II will be to perform administrative, research, and technical duties for the laboratory. Primary responsibility will be to support many aspects of well-functioning wetlab, including production of recombinant proteins, crystallization of proteins, and determining the structure of proteins using neutron diffraction, equipment care, supply inventory maintenance, and other essential tasks. The ability to function independently, and as part of a team, is critical. Must communicate clearly, be organized, and have attention to detail.
This RA II position will focus on a collaborative effort to accelerate the discovery of structural mechanisms using DNP-enhanced neutron protein crystallography. An ideal applicant would be highly motivated with strong analytical skills and enjoy working independently as well as in a collaborative environment. A background in protein expression and purification techniques (bacterial and mammalian) is desirable. Experience with computing, coding related to structural biology are a plus.

Essential Responsibilities:

Protein production; Structural determination of proteins using X ray and neutron diffraction; manage structural biology software and assist with installation, as needed. Some travel to ORNL maybe required

• Writing and updating laboratory protocols. Test and evaluate quality of reagents.

• Assemble research data for presentation and/or reports

• Maintain laboratory equipment including centrifuges, incubated shakers

• Supervision of graduate/undergraduate students;

• Maintain laboratory equipment including centrifuges, incubated shakers

• Maintain laboratory equipment including centrifuges, incubated shakers

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Protein expression/purification; bacterial and mammalian systems

• Maintain laboratory equipment including centrifuges, incubated shakers

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

• Maintain laboratory equipment including centrifuges, incubated shakers

Education and Experience Required:

Demonstrated experience in protein chemistry or macromolecular crystallography preferred.

Experience in other techniques of structural biology (MX, NMR, SAXS, cryoEM etc.) highly desired. Excellent organizational, communication and presentation skills.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The responsibilities listed may be subject to change at any time and individuals may be asked to perform duties outside of their regular responsibilities to support the ongoing operations and mission Meharry Medical College and its facilities.