Institution: Western University of Health Sciences - Pomona Campus Location: Pomona, CA
Start Date: immediately Contact: Manal A. Swairjo, Ph.D. mswai...@westernu.edu We are looking for an outstanding and highly motivated individual to start immediately in a NIH-funded postdoctoral position to study structure and mechanism of transfer-RNA modification enzymes that constitute a new class of candidate antibacterial drug targets. The laboratory is part of a long-standing multi-institutional consortium focused on studying the biosynthesis and functions of the hypermodified nucleotides of transfer-RNA and understand their roles in translation. The project aims to elucidate the mechanistic and structural basis for the biosynthesis of a universally conserved hypermodified nucleotide of the anti-codon stem-loop of tRNA using a multi-disciplinary approach comprising X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and a variety of biophysical and biochemical methods. The candidate will focus on cloning, overexpression, purification, biochemical characterization, crystallization, and X-ray crystal structure determination of multiple protein and protein-RNA complexes and interface with the PI and team of collaborators to complete functional and mechanistic interpretation of results toward development of this critical metabolic pathway as an antibacterial target. The candidate should have a Ph.D. degree (in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology or related area) with a strong publication record. In addition, the candidate is required to be proficient in molecular biology, recombinant DNA methods, protein and RNA expression and purification, and troubleshooting and optimization of cloning and overexpression protocols of difficult and insoluble proteins. Prior experience in macromolecular X-ray crystallography is desired. Competitive salary and fringe benefits will be provided. To apply, please send a cover letter stating your scientific interests and goals, CV and contact information for 3 references to me at mswai...@westernu.edu. Western University of Health Sciences is a private, non-profit university and one of the largest graduate schools for the health professions in California, offering 21 academic programs in nine colleges, and operating two patient care centers. The main campus is located near historic downtown Pomona, the fifth largest city in Los Angeles County, California. Pomona is 27 miles east of Los Angeles, 9 miles from Ontario International Airport, and 45 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. Since 2012, WesternU has been named a Great College to Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education. It is the policy of WesternU to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment as required by law without regard to age, race, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, mental or physical handicap, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by law. To this end, WesternU is committed to equal opportunity laws that ensure applicants and employees are treated equally. WesternU will strive not to unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment decisions based on age, race, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, mental and physical handicap, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by law. Additionally, WesternU is committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a work environment that is free from all forms of unlawful harassment and intimidation. Manal A. Swairjo, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences Western University of Health Sciences 309 E. Second Street Pomona CA 91766-1854 Cell: 619 206 3864 Office: 909 469 8201 Lab: 909 469 8222 Fax: 909-469-5577 email: mswai...@westernu.edu<mailto:mswai...@westernu.edu> website: http://www.westernu.edu/biomedical-sciences/biomedical-sciences-research/biomedical-sciences-swairjo-lab/
