Structural Biology/X-ray Crystallography Research Scientist

Position Information

University Code 33244 University Title Senior Scientist 1 University Job Family Research & Innovation ORP Eligible Yes For more information on ORP, visit: Retirement Plans
Recruitment Pool All Applicants Recruitment Type Job Series Scope of Search Regional Working Title Structural Biology/X-ray Crystallography Research Scientist Position Number 588520 Is this employee on a H1B Visa? Position Type Staff Job Status Full-Time FLSA Indicator Exempt Employee Group University Employee Department Pharmacology & Toxicology Organizational Overview

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities

Senior Research Scientist position in Structural Biology/X-ray Crystallography in cancer drug discovery is available in the laboratory of Dr. Said Sebti in the Massey Cancer Center and the department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. The candidate must have a proven track record in cloning, protein expression, protein purification, and crystallographic structure determination of proteins and protein-ligand complexes to support Dr. Sebti’ s drug discovery projects. The candidate will also participate in performing experiments to understand the mechanism of action of anti-cancer drugs. The research focus of Dr. Sebti’ laboratory is to understand at the basic science level how normal cells become malignant and to translate such fundamental knowledge to the clinic. Specifically, the candidates will be involved in exciting and highly integrated multi-disciplinary research projects concerning understanding aberrant oncogenic KRas signal transduction pathways in cancer and designing novel anti-cancer drugs based on this knowledge.

The candidate will be responsible for: collecting and processing data from in-house X-ray generator and data collection on synchrotrons; high-resolution crystallographic structure determination of protein complexes of small molecules in the context of structure-based drug design; high-throughput crystal screening; optimizing crystallization conditions and growing diffraction-quality crystals of protein: ligand complexes; using structural determination software and structural data to inform and collaborate with chemists and biochemists on structure activity relationship studies; cloning, expression and purification of proteins; molecular docking and virtual screening; characterization of protein-small molecule complexes using a variety of biophysical methods such as ITC, Biacore, MST and/or DSF ; performing molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and pharmacology experiments to understand the mechanism of action of anti-cancer drugs; design and perform experiments, manage research projects, and analyze and interpret data, make conclusions and plan forward; maintain detailed documentation through electronic and notebook means and writing progress reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications; work independently as well as efficiently within the research group as a team player

Minimum Hiring Standards

PhD degree with 2+ years’ experience in solving high quality structures of biological complexes using x-ray crystallography.

Preferred Hiring Standards

Experience in cancer molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in animal models and/or drug discovery.

Required Licenses/ Certifications Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience Application Process/Additional Information Campus MCV Campus Hours/Week 40 Normal Work Days/Hours M-F Job Open Date 03/10/2021 Posting will close on or before Open Until Filled Yes Job Category Research Is this a restricted position? Yes Is this position eligible to participate in alternative work arrangements? No Sensitive Position Yes- A pre-employment fingerprint background check will be required. Resource Critical No Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/104186 Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Diversity Statement (Required for all Faculty)

Optional Documents

1. Other Document
2. Resume
3. Reference Letter - 1
4. Reference Letter - 2
5. Reference Letter - 3
6. Publications