Senior Staff Scientist

Senior Staff Scientist

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago

$80,000.00/yr - $/yr

BSD BMB - Rock Lab

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology studies how biomolecules function and interact to drive the complex, diverse, and adaptive behaviors of living systems. Our focus is on biological mechanisms described at the atomic level. We are highly collaborative and often employ multiple approaches to address otherwise intractable questions. We have particular strengths in membrane proteins and RNA biochemistry and are pioneers in all areas of biophysics, structural biology, biochemistry, and protein engineering and design.

The Senior Staff Scientist will work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary laboratory at the University of Chicago that studies the structure, regulation, and function of myosin superfamily molecular motors and their associated cellular architectures. The current research focuses on defining how post‑translational modifications regulate myosin activity, how targeted chemical probes modulate myosin function and reshape cellular transcriptional landscapes, and how myosins contribute to the structure of filopodia and cell motility.

The successful candidate will employ a broad range of biophysical and biochemical approaches, including site‑directed mutagenesis, single‑molecule fluorescence, optical tweezers, interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy, and cryo‑electron microscopy/tomography (cryo‑EM/ET), to address these questions. The Senior Staff Scientist will play a leadership role in the lab’s dynamic training environment, collaborate closely with biochemists, cell biologists, oncologists, and computational scientists, and take the lead in preparing manuscripts and reports for NIH and other funding agencies.

• Investigate the structure, regulation, and function of myosin motors and associated cellular structures using tools from biophysics and biochemistry.
• Serve as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis; facilitate and promote a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Develop laboratory protocols and training on new techniques; manage, analyze, and make recommendations on complex data sets for research.
• Create first drafts for scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Train and mentor laboratory personnel.
• Perform other related work as needed.

• PhD in a related field.
• 5–7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Prior experience preparing reports for federal funding agencies, industrial collaborators, or in support of patent applications.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience in molecular biology, cell and tissue culture, microscopy, transcriptomics, and/or flow cytometry.
• A multifaceted research background, with demonstrated ability to pivot to new scientific questions and adopt new experimental techniques.
• Comfort designing and implementing novel experimental protocols that extend published methods, guided by independent scientific judgment and prior experience.
• Proven experience providing hands‑on training and mentorship to other laboratory members.

• Effective communication skills.

• Lab environment.
• Weekend/Evening hours as needed.
• Travel as needed.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s)
MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic…