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Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - The Skellam Lab

Employee Classification: Postdoctoral Research Assoc

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Biological Sciences-121100

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, and the BioDiscovery Institute, at the University of North Texas are equipped with modern facilities for all aspects of the research and have a strong community of research groups in biochemistry and molecular biology for a stimulating intellectual environment.

Position Overview

The Skellam lab at the University of North Texas is seeking a highly motivated and determined Postdoctoral Research Associate with experience in manipulating / engineering eukaryotic cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) for biotechnological use. This position will investigate the use of P450s as biocatalysts in Nicotinana benthamiana and / or filamentous fungi, testing approaches for enhancing interactions with redox partners, ensure correct anchoring, and designing mutagenesis experiments to diversify substrate scope.
The project is highly interdisciplinary and will require knowledge and experience of molecular biology, fungal / plant cell biology, protein modelling, and analytical chemistry techniques. The successful candidate will join a team consisting of postdocs, research assistants, graduate and undergraduate students, in a highly collaborative environment. This project provides opportunities to learn additional techniques such as confocal microscopy, metabolic engineering, and natural product chemistry techniques. Further responsibilities include the day-to-day management of the project, manuscript and proposal writing, presenting original research internally and externally at meetings and conferences, and mentoring students at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Minimum Qualifications

The candidate should have completed their PhD in biochemistry or a related field and have experience and interest in engineering P450 enzymes in eukaryotic hosts
Experience with molecular biology techniques such as gene cloning, plasmid construction, PCR, RT-PCR, Western blots and bioinformatic skills to aide in experimental design
Proficiency with protein structural predictions and protein purification
Ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with agrobacterium / protoplast -mediated transformation
Experience with molecular modelling / docking
A passion for developing biotechnology solutions
Good interpersonal skills and a team-working attitude
Interest in training and mentoring students

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties

• Plan & conduct experiments in consultation with Dr. Skellam.
• Conduct experiments in accordance with all regulatory and safety policies. 
• Make scientific observations, keep excellent records of data and interpretations.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication based on experimental results to submit to supervisor and publish.
• Prepare presentations or presentation materials of results in support of projects. 
• Work effectively with others when appropriate. 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

varies based on assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.