Computational Biochemistry Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Details

The Ho lab at the University of Utah is launching an ambitious program to systematically discover, map, and therapeutically harness mitochondrial microproteins to reverse mitochondrial dysfunction in rare and common disease. Microproteins encoded by small open reading frames (smORFs) are an enormous, largely uncharted space of short proteins that regulate core aspects of mitochondrial metabolism, import, and stress responses, and represent a new class of therapeutic targets. Building on our leadership in microprotein discovery and function, we are now expanding in Utah to recruit multiple postdoctoral fellows to apply high throughput methods and machine/deep learning to unlock the full potential of the dark proteome.

Scientific vision

Ribosome profiling has uncovered nearly 10,000 human microproteins, yet fewer than 1% are functionally characterized, and a substantial fraction appear to localize to mitochondria ("mito-MPs"). Our longterm goal is to:

Postdocs in the lab will drive one or more of the following thrusts (projects can be tailored to your background):

If you are excited by the idea of treating microproteins as programmable therapeutic modules and want to work at the intersection of mitochondrial biology, functional genomics, and machine learning, we would love to hear from you.

Methods and platforms in the lab

Depending on your project and interests, you will have the opportunity to work with:

The Ho lab culture emphasizes team science, rigorous mechanistic work, and translation; you will join a collaborative network of basic and clinical partners aimed at moving microprotein discoveries toward therapeutic applications.

Ideal candidate profile

We are recruiting multiple postdocs, and strongly encourage applicants from all scientific and personal backgrounds. Ideal candidates will bring expertise in at least one of the following areas, and enthusiasm to learn across disciplines:

Qualifications

Prior experience in every technique listed is not required; we expect you to have depth in one area and motivation to expand your toolkit in others.

What we offer

How to apply

Please email the following materials to lena@ho-lab.org with the subject line "Postdoctoral application - Microproteins & Mitochondria":

Informal inquiries are welcome if you would like to discuss fit or project directions before applying. For more information on our work, please visit www.ho-lab.org.

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.