Research Professional

Department

PSD Chemistry: Faculty Support

About the Department

The University of Chicago's Chemistry Department is renowned for its excellence in research, teaching, and fostering an environment that nurtures scientific curiosity and discovery. Our faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, driving cutting-edge research across diverse areas of chemistry. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and inspire the next generation of chemists.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago's Chemistry Department is seeking a Research Professional who possess outstanding research skills. The position will be part of Professor Gregory A. Voth’s group, which focuses on the development and application of theoretical and computational methodologies to investigate complex systems. The researcher will conduct large-scale computational modeling to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying key biomolecular processes including actin filament remodeling and membrane/protein interactions in SARS CoV 2 viruses. The primary objectives of these projects are to explore the interactions between actin and its binding proteins and to elucidate how the structural proteins of SARS CoV 2 engage with biologically relevant lipid membranes. This will be achieved through atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations utilizing methods developed by the Voth group. Other biomolecular systems may also be studied as opportunities arise.


In the actin-focused project, the researcher will examine the molecular-level interactions between actin and its binding partners and assess the resulting large scale filament reorganization. The insights gained will inform the development of a course grained model designed to study cytoskeleton induced membrane deformations. Additionally, the SARS CoV 2 project will investigate viral assembly and budding mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on the membrane and nucleocapsid proteins and their interactions
with lipid membranes, using a bottom up coarse grained model.


Both computational projects will be carried out in collaboration with leading experimental researchers specializing in Cryo EM, biochemical experiments, and HDX MS, and are funded by the National Institutes of Health. The work is expected to have a high impact.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research: Design and execute research utilizing molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and other computational modelling techniques performed on supercomputers to develop mechanistic understanding of biomolecular processes.

• Data Analysis: Analyze the simulation data rigorously to interpret results and draw meaningful conclusions to contribute to the lab's research objectives.

• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with experimental researchers and other members of the lab, including postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and research assistants. Foster a collaborative and supportive research environment.

• Publication: Prepare research findings for publication in top-tier scientific journals. Contribute to the development of research papers, presentations, and grant applications.

• Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior lab members, including graduate and undergraduate students. Share knowledge and expertise to facilitate their growth as researchers.

• Innovation: Stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field and identify opportunities to integrate innovative technologies or approaches into our research. Participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars.

• Scientific Communication: Present research findings at lab meetings, conferences, and seminars. Engage in scientific discussions and networking to stay connected with the scientific community.

• Grant Writing: Contribute to the development of research proposals and grant applications to secure funding for the lab's projects.

• Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.

• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.

• May present work at scientific meetings.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in Molecular biophysics or Chemistry.

Work Experience:

• Previous Postdoctoral Scholar experience.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Experience using supercomputing facilities with CPUs and GPUs to run MD simulations.
• Strong background in enhanced sampling, free energy methods and development of coarse grain models.
• Preference for candidates with proficiency in Python, C, or C++ programming, as well as shell scripting.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research group, actively contribute to group discussions, and assist in mentoring junior graduate students.
• Willingness to travel to conferences to present research findings and engage with the broader scientific community.
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals.
• Effective project management skills to plan, execute, and oversee research projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Engage in critical thinking to design and execute computational research on complex biomolecular systems.
• Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Foster innovation in research approaches.
• Adhere to group policies on work ethics.
• Communicate research findings effectively and regularly with the group and in conferences.
• Stay updated with the latest scientific advancements.

Working Conditions

• Primarily onsite in a lab environment.

Application Documents:

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (preferred)

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

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$67,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

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.

Posting Statement

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 information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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