Postdoctoral Position Available in the Polikanov Lab
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago

The Polikanov Laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago is looking for a talented, skillful, and highly motivated researcher to fill the Postdoctoral Fellow position to study the structure and function of the bacterial ribosome.

For full consideration, please submit your application and cover letter describing your scientific interests and how your previous research accomplishments and scientific interests fit with the scope of the research in the Polikanov research group at:
https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/14663?c=uic

Position Summary:

The research in the Polikanov Laboratory at UIC is focused on understanding the basic principles of protein synthesis in bacteria, the modes of action of ribosome-targeting antibiotics, and the mechanisms of drug resistance at a structural level. Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct research in the Polikanov lab and be involved in the determination of high-resolution structures of ribosome functional complexes with various protein translation factors, tRNAs, and antibiotics using macromolecular X-ray crystallography and potentially cryo-EM techniques.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform research relevant to the assigned projects;
• Act independently in planning, executing, and troubleshooting the experiments;
• Purify bacterial ribosomes and additional components necessary for the crystallization experiments;
• Collect X-ray diffraction data from the ribosome crystals at the APS Synchrotron and/or collect cryo-EM data at the UChicago cryo-EM facility;
• Perform structural data analysis;
• Directly participate in writing manuscripts and grants based on the obtained experimental data;
• Train undergraduate and graduate students in research methods, use of equipment, record keeping, and laboratory database entry;
• Attend weekly group meetings and journal clubs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field; completed within the past 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in molecular biology and biochemistry;
• Practical skills with the most standard methods currently used in molecular biology and biochemistry (such as protein expression and purification);
• Experience in structural biology (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography);
• Experience in RNA biology is desired.

About the University of Illinois Chicago:
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.