Staff Scientist, Biochemistry, Karbstein

About The Work Unit

The Karbstein Lab in the Department of Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University is seeking an enthusiastic RNA molecular biology/RNA biochemistry staff scientist to aid in the lab’s studies of ribosome assembly, quality control and repair. In addition to providing a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying ribosome integrity, this basic science work is highly relevant to cancer biology and the biology of aging.

The lab relies heavily on biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as yeast genetics. For examples of the type of research that will be undertaken see:
Blomqvist et al., 2023, PLoS Genetics;
Yang et al., 2023, Mol Cell;
Parker et al., 2024, PLoS Biology;
Yang & Karbstein, Bio Rxiv 2024.

• Independently carries out research and development.
• Purifies ribosomes from various organisms for mass spectrometry analysis.
• Leverages experience in RNA biochemistry and uses protein gels, Western blotting, and mass spectrometry to analyze ribosome assembly factors and ribosomal proteins.
• Uses Northern blotting to analyze ribosome assembly in cells.
• Uses agarose gels to analyze PCR screens and PCR reactions.
• Generates yeast and worm strains and human cell lines.
• Uses quantitative growth measurements to monitor genetic interactions.
• Designs and clones proteins and RNAs for yeast, worm, or human in vivo work and in vitro assays.
• Analyzes RNA‑seq data.
• Analyses experiments independently and prepares them for presentation to the PI.

• Might supervise interns, work‑study students, or undergraduate researchers and explain problems to them.
• The position reports administratively and functionally to the PI.

• A PhD degree in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education and a minimum of two years of experience is preferred.

• Experience with protein and/or RNA biochemistry is strongly preferred.
• Computational experience is preferred.
• Being comfortable in learning new assays is necessary.
• Independent design and execution of experiments is expected.
• Ability to perform all basic calculations related to buffer composition (molarity, dilution factor, etc.) is necessary.
• Should be able to develop a short‑term vision for their project.
• Communication skills are essential.