Postdoc Research Associate - Retzky College of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences - Mankin Lab

Postdoc Research Associate
- Retzky College of Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Mankin Lab

Hiring Department
:
Pharmaceutical Sciences

Location
:
Chicago, IL USA

Requisition : 1042198

Posting Close Date
:
August 10, 2026

Salary
:
The salary range for this position is $61,000 - $67,000

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities.

UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The Mankin & Vzquez-Laslop lab studies molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis. We are investigating how the ribosome makes proteins, how translation factors help it in this endeavor, and how antibiotics prevent it from doing its job. We are also engineering the ribosome to enable new functions and getting insights in its origin and evolution. The Postdoc Research Associate will assist with conducting grant funded research related to ribosome engineering and protein synthesis.

• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Carry out experimental work relevant to the project.
• Keep accurate record of the experiments suitable for writing manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Keep up to date with relevant scientific literature.
• Present the results at scientific meetings.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings, Journal Clubs and common seminars within the Department.
• Analyze and prepare data for publication and reporting.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• PhD degree in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related discipline.
• Experience with DNA and RNA purification, gene cloning, sequence analysis, protein purification.
• Ability to independently design research projects and analyze the obtained data, with good manuscript/grant writing and communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience with a range of molecular biology and microbiology techniques.
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatics.

• Experience in bioinformatics, genome editing, and high-throughput sequencing is highly desirable.
• Experience working with cell-free transcription-translation systems.
• Experience in working with radioactive compounds.
• Experience with HPLC-MS, mass spectrometry and proteomics is advantageous.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.