Description
A postdoctoral training position is available in the laboratory of Nam Lab in the Department of Biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center to study the mechanisms underlying RNA-protein complexes important for gene regulation. Our laboratory, Nam Lab, works on exciting projects dissecting how chemistry and structure contribute to assembling specific RNA-protein complex architectures important for normal gene expression. More specifically, we investigate the core and regulatory mechanisms that govern RNA processing (e.g., microRNA maturation), modification (e.g., methylation) and folding (e.g., RNA helicases) that impact the RNA function in the cell. To study how proteins and RNAs recognize each other, we use biochemical and biophysical methods. The RNA-protein complexes we study are relevant for normal development as well as diseases. Thus, as we unravel how dysregulated RNA-protein complexes derail gene expression and cause cancer, we use our mechanistic understanding to identify novel therapeutic avenues.
Postdoctoral scholars will have many opportunities to learn the newest methods in protein and nucleic acid biochemistry and biophysics, in addition to working in an exciting, fast-evolving field in biomedical sciences. We use various approaches, including cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography, molecular biology, nucleic acid and protein biochemistry, genomics with next-generation sequencing, high-throughput screening for small molecule drug discovery, and cancer cell biology. The postdoctoral fellow will have ready access to the top-of-the-line equipment and resources necessary for the above approaches.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a recent M.D. and/or Ph.D. degree. Experience in biochemistry, structural biology, or related discipline, at least one published peer-reviewed journal.
Application Instructions
Interested individuals should send an email to PI, Yunsun Nam, at Yunsun.Nam@UTSouthwestern.edu, and include a CV (with publications and contact information for 3 references listed) and a one-page cover letter that includes:
• A summary of your past research experiences and accomplishments.
• A statement of interest in Nam Lab and why you could be a great fit.
• Your goals for your postdoctoral training period.
• Your potential start date.