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The Role
Conduct protein expression, purification, quality control, characterization, and sample preparation for intrinsically disordered proteins. Optimize workflows for unstable and aggregation-prone proteins, support interaction and condensation experiments, maintain detailed records and inventories, prepare samples for collaborator assays, troubleshoot protocols, scale reproducible production pipelines, and contribute to technical reports.
Summary Generated by Built In
Protein Biochemistry and IDR Sample Production
POSITION SUMMARY
The Zhou Lab at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking an experienced Research Associate (level II and III) to support a multidisciplinary research program investigating the conformational and functional biology of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs).
This is an experienced research position intended for a scientist capable of independently executing and optimizing technically demanding experimental workflows. The Research Associate will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and other members of the project team and will play a major role in large-scale protein production, quality control, sample preparation, and biochemical characterization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is the first independent biomedical research institute in the United States devoted solely to research on aging. Located in Novato, California, the Buck brings together scientists across multiple disciplines to study the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease to help people live better, longer.
The Buck Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose experiences and perspectives will contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community.
TO APPLY
Please submit online:
POSITION SUMMARY
The Zhou Lab at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking an experienced Research Associate (level II and III) to support a multidisciplinary research program investigating the conformational and functional biology of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs).
This is an experienced research position intended for a scientist capable of independently executing and optimizing technically demanding experimental workflows. The Research Associate will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and other members of the project team and will play a major role in large-scale protein production, quality control, sample preparation, and biochemical characterization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Carry out protein expression, purification, and quality control for a large collection of IDR-containing proteins in human cells.
- Optimize purification and handling protocols for proteins that may be unstable, aggregation-prone, highly charged, or structurally heterogeneous.
- Perform routine and advanced protein characterization and maintain standardized QC criteria across protein batches.
- Prepare and document samples for transfer to collaborating laboratories performing single-molecule profiling, HDX-MS, protein-interactome, and related assays.
- Support in vitro protein interaction, condensation, aggregation, and binder-characterization experiments.
- Maintain detailed sample inventories, batch records, QC documentation, and transfer manifests.
- Assist with implementation and scaling of reproducible experimental workflows.
- Work closely with the postdoctoral fellow to troubleshoot experimental problems and improve throughput and reproducibility.
- Contribute to preparation of technical reports and milestone documentation.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, protein science, or a related field, with substantial relevant research experience.
- Extensive hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute established protocols and troubleshoot technically challenging experiments.
- Strong laboratory organization, record keeping, and sample-management skills.
- Experience managing multiple experimental samples or workflows in parallel.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-moving multidisciplinary research environment.
- Direct experience purifying and handling intrinsically disordered proteins or IDR-containing proteins is highly preferred.
- Experience with difficult, aggregation-prone, low-complexity, or phase-separating proteins.
- Experience with affinity chromatography, ion exchange, SEC, protein concentration/formulation, electrophoresis, and quantitative protein assays.
- Experience preparing samples for mass spectrometry, HDX-MS, structural biology, or other high-end analytical platforms.
- Experience establishing standardized protein-production or QC workflows.
- Familiarity with automation or high-throughput protein production would be advantageous.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Annual salary: RA II $65,000 - $80,000; RA III $70,500 - $90,000 depending on skills and experience
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer contribution, and a student debt repayment option.
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is the first independent biomedical research institute in the United States devoted solely to research on aging. Located in Novato, California, the Buck brings together scientists across multiple disciplines to study the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease to help people live better, longer.
The Buck Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose experiences and perspectives will contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community.
TO APPLY
Please submit online:
- A curriculum vitae or resume
- A cover letter addressing your past research experience, plans, and expectations for working in the lab
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, protein science, or a related field
- Substantial relevant research experience
- Extensive hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification
- Ability to independently execute established protocols and troubleshoot technically challenging experiments
- Strong laboratory organization, record keeping, and sample-management skills
- Experience managing multiple experimental samples or workflows in parallel
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-moving multidisciplinary research environment
- Direct experience purifying and handling intrinsically disordered proteins or IDR-containing proteins
- Experience with difficult, aggregation-prone, low-complexity, or phase-separating proteins
- Experience with affinity chromatography, ion exchange, size-exclusion chromatography, protein concentration and formulation, electrophoresis, and quantitative protein assays
- Experience preparing samples for mass spectrometry, HDX-MS, structural biology, or other advanced analytical platforms
- Experience establishing standardized protein-production or quality-control workflows
- Familiarity with automation or high-throughput protein production
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The Company
What We Do
Buck Institute for Research on Aging is an independent biomedical research institute focused exclusively on the biology of aging. Its scientists investigate the mechanisms underlying aging and age-related disease, while the organization works to end the threat of age-related disease, extend healthy lifespan, train the next generation of aging-science researchers, and share its findings with the broader community through education and collaboration.
