Staff Scientist

NICHD is recruiting for a Staff Scientist to join the Section on Structural and Chemical Biology. There are two primary areas of research in this Section 1) mechanism of protein lipidation by transmembrane enzymes and 2) molecular mechanism of transition metal and lipid transport through cell membranes. The unifying theme is to use a structure-based understanding of our target proteins and to use biochemical reconstitution, biophysical measurements and cell biological assays rooted in chemical biology to obtain a detailed understanding of their cellular function and how their malfunction is connected to human diseases. Our strength lies in our multidisciplinary approach to probe deep into the chemical mechanisms of our target systems and our collaboration with labs both in the NIH intramural program as well as outside, to expand our insights to disease-related knowledge and development of novel therapeutics. Duties & Responsibilities: The candidate will lead multiple projects in the areas of research in the lab. They also will have the opportunity to start new projects for advancing the Section mission. The candidate will mentor, train, and collaborate with lab members from diverse backgrounds and at varied stages in their careers, including postbaccalaureate trainees, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Key duties in this role include:

• In partnership with Dr. Banerjee, provide leadership and lab management to the Section.
• Lead and drive multiple projects in the lab.
• Define key questions emerging from ongoing research projects.
• Collaborate with scientists, bioinformaticians, and statisticians at the NIH and extramurally as appropriate to advance the research projects and data analysis.
• Lead and contribute to manuscripts that result in peer reviewed articles describing the Section’s research advances.
• Disseminate research findings at NIH symposia and scientific meetings.
• Attend seminars and pursue additional training to bring back to the lab and integrate into Section research activities.
• Identify the need to expand ongoing projects or design new projects in consideration of research findings and current and future objectives for the Section.
• Collaborate with NIH experts and contractors to clarify needs and project objectives.
• Serve as a mentor and as an expert to train Section trainees in research skills such as study design, database management, data analysis, and science dissemination

• Doctoral degree in biochemistry/cell and molecular biology/biophysics/chemistry/chemical biology or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience in screening and optimizing large scale purification of mammalian membrane proteins using multiple expression hosts, specifically mammalian cells, insect cells and yeast.
• Proficient in biochemical and biophysical characterization of mammalian membrane proteins.
• Crystallization and structure solution of mammalian membrane proteins, particularly using advanced techniques such as lipidic cubic phase.
• Experience with confocal microscopy and cell-based assays to interrogate protein function.
• Experience with chemical biology techniques such as click chemistry and designing sensors for small molecules.
• Must be detail and quality-oriented, with demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• A strong orientation toward working in teams and coordinating work with other teams.
• Demonstrated productivity including ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously

Appointees may be U.S. citizens, resident aliens or non-resident aliens with or eligible to obtain a valid employment authorized visa. 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 subject to a background investigation. HHS, NIH and NICHD are Equal Opportunity Employers. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs. Applications from women, minorities and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.