The Gupta lab at the Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon is opening its doors in January 2024. The lab will be exploring membrane proteins and protein-protein interactions involved in various human diseases using biochemistry, structural biology, and cell biology tools. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate with demonstrated training and research experience in protein biochemistry and molecular biology.

A competitive candidate would be a recent Ph.D. graduate with good publication record. The position involves the candidate to review scientific literature, propose hypothesis, design experiments, and interpret results. We are building an interdisciplinary research program that requires working in collaboration within the lab and with other research groups. Applicants must be highly independent, driven, and value working in teams, with proven project management and leadership success.

To apply, please send a brief cover letter about your interest in the position and your research experiences/interests, a CV, and names and contact information for 3 professional references at guptame@ohsu.edu.

• Design and conduct biochemical and biophysical experiments to investigate structure-dynamics-function relationships of various integral membrane proteins.

• Cell culture, protein expression using various expression systems, purification, sample preparation for cryoEM/cryoET/X ray crystallography, data collection, data analysis, model building, functional assays, data interpretation.

• Record keeping, documentation and presentations: 

  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of all experimental procedures, data collection and analysis performed and share it on a regular basis with the PI.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills for reporting experimental results, writing manuscripts, presenting research findings at lab meetings.

  • Assist the PI with manuscript preparation and grant applications as well as apply for independent funding opportunities.

  • Present, or assist in the presentation of, research projects at retreats, seminars, conferences and other OHSU or public venues.

  • Maintain high level of professional expertise through familiarity with current scientific literature. Participate in professional development opportunities.

• Assist in lab management, training of new lab personnel on lab practices and protocols, including sample preparation and instrumentation use.

• Perform routine lab operations, including but not limited to the purchase of laboratory supplies, monitoring supplies, and maintaining assigned laboratory equipment.

• Maintain laboratory compliance documentation for biological, and radiological work. Be familiar with lab safety infrastructure and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.

• Other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor in furtherance of the lab’s research and the university’s missions and goals of teaching, research, outreach, and public service.

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry or related field

• Research experience in the fields of protein biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics

• Efficient in literature review, experiment design, planning, and organizing

• Molecular biology tools (e.g., gel electrophoresis, PCR, cloning)

• Protein analysis tools like Western blotting, immunoprecipitation

• Basic knowledge of DNA and protein analysis software tools

• Protein expression and purification

• Problem solving skills and research integrity

• Ability to adapt to newer methods/tools as required by the research projects

• Strong communication skills in both oral and written formats

• Working knowledge of office computer applications, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Ph.D. in Structural biology of integral membrane proteins

• Additional research experience in the field of structural biology (e.g., cryoEM, X-ray crystallography and/or NMR)

• Integral membrane protein expression and purification in insect and mammalian cell lines

• Biochemical/Biophysical characterization methods

• Cell culture techniques

• Computational skills (e.g., familiarity with cryoEM data processing pipeline, linux/python)

• Advanced knowledge of tools like GraphPad Prism, Adobe Illustrator

• Individuals are expected to work on-site to conduct laboratory research, handling chemical and biological reagents, manual and automated equipment. The schedule will be planned according to the research project and experimental needs. On-site work is generally expected 40 hours per week between 8am to 6pm. However, working flexible hours after 6 pm or on weekend may be required occasionally depending on the ongoing experiments.
• Additional safety training will be required to work with cell lines/ infectious bacteria or viruses/ working with in a BSL-2 environment.

• Individuals are expected to handle chemical and/or biological reagents and equipment following laboratory and institutional safety guidelines. Personal protective equipment must be worn as required by the safety protocols (gloves, mask/respirator, eyewear, lab coat, etc.). Personnel will need to work at lab benches, desks, computers and/or microscopes for up to 4 hours at a time. Ability to perform repetitive lab manipulations (gripping, grasping, reaching, pulling), move lab equipment under 25 lbs with accommodation, perform image analysis operation and help others with equipment use.

• Must be able to communicate orally and in writing the results of scientific experiments; must be able to use a standard computer and screen up to 4 hours per day.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.