Research Scientist II

A Research Scientist II position is available in the laboratory of Professor Alexander Adibekian in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas  are seeking a specialist in cell biology and preclinical pharmacology to lead the biological validation arm of the laboratory’s target discovery program.

The laboratory applies chemoproteomic and chemical biology approaches to identify the protein targets of bioactive natural products and covalent small molecules. The successful candidate will translate the targets emerging from these platforms into cell-based and in vivo systems: generating engineered and reporter cell lines, designing target-engagement and mechanism-of-action assays, and establishing preclinical tumor models to evaluate candidate compounds and inform the development of new therapeutic leads.

Minimum Education and Experience

A minimum of a PhD in a field directly related to research and a minimum of two years of experience/expertise as noted below.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious scientist excited to work in a highly interactive and motivated research environment.

– PhD in Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field

– Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell systems and molecular biology, including primary cell isolation and culture, stable and recombinant cell line generation, transfection and viral transduction, molecular cloning, and protein engineering

– Hands‑on experience with IACUC‑compliant rodent study design and execution, including genetically engineered and syngeneic tumor models, multi‑route drug and gene delivery, tissue harvesting, and endpoint molecular and histopathological analysis

– Proficiency in advanced microscopy and quantitative image analysis, including confocal, light‑sheet, live‑cell and high‑content imaging, and analysis pipelines such as ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris, or Qu Path

– Experience investigating small‑molecule mechanisms of action, protein‑protein interaction dynamics, and protein stability or degradation in a disease‑relevant context

– Excellent written and oral communication skills

– A proven record of scientific accomplishment

Experience with mass spectrometry‑based proteomics is advantageous but not required. Training in the laboratory’s chemoproteomic platforms will be provided.

– Postdoctoral experience in preclinical disease modeling, with a record of independently led in‑vivo studies

– Experience with genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), syngeneic tumor models, and longitudinal in‑vivo imaging (IVIS bioluminescence/fluorescence, micro‑CT)

– Experience with inducible or optogenetic systems for spatiotemporal control of protein function and gene expression (e.g. Cre/loxP, CRISPR/Cas9, allosteric protein switches)

– Experience with 3D tissue clearing, light‑sheet microscopy, and the construction of quantitative image analysis pipelines

– Experience mentoring junior researchers and coordinating with core facilities and CROs

– Demonstrated interest in chemical biology and chemoproteomics‑enabled target discovery

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

– Plan, conduct, and direct a wide variety of experiments in cell-based and in‑vivo systems.

– Design and execute biological validation studies for protein targets identified by the laboratory’s chemoproteomic platforms.

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