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PostDoctoral Associate
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Position Number: 6040571
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

PostDoctoral Associate

Requisition Number: 62180
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 03-Mar-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Department of Biochemistry seeks applications for a full-time Research Scientist to work in the laboratory of Prof. Natalie Ahn. The main task of the position is to investigate biophysical mechanisms involved in the regulation of MAP kinases and their impact on inhibitor design for cancer therapeutics. Experimental methods include computational analysis by conventional molecular dynamics simulations and enhanced sampling techniques on the MAP kinase, ERK2, and complexes with ERK inhibitors that are under clinical trials for cancer treatment. Competency with molecular dynamics simulations and metadynamics applied to the molecular modeling of large proteins is required, in addition to coding experience and knowledge of coding best practices for setting up coding packages.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Since 1986, Biochemistry at the University of Colorado at Boulder has offered a world-class interdisciplinary research environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Faculty include a Nobel Laureate, five members of the National Academy of Sciences, three Howard Hughes Investigators, and many other esteemed scientists who have established themselves as research leaders within biochemistry.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Research-level experimental design, data collection and data analysis in computational modeling:

Computational simulations of the dynamics of ERK2 using molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling techniques.
Analysis of protein dynamics, and conformational variants that distinguish phosphorylated and unphosphorylated kinase forms, inhibitor bound complexes, and site-directed mutants.
Analysis and modeling of water structure and residue interactions with solvent. Develop analysis and software tools for the interpretation of experimental hydrogen-deuterium exchange datasets.
Create coding packages for new data analysis and software tools.
Scientific writing and manuscript preparation.
Collaborative interactions with research team members.

What You Should Know

40-hour work week M-F, with occasional time-sensitive research tasks needed on weekends.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary associated with this position is $71,128.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Ph.D. degree in Molecular Biosciences field (e.g. Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or Physics).
Competency and experience with molecular dynamics simulations and metadynamics applied to the molecular modeling of proteins.

What You Will Need

Strong aptitude and competency with independent research, including experimental design and execution, quantitative analysis and data interpretation, literature review, and critical thinking.
Good communication and teaching skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Current resume/CV.
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
List of references to be used for phone reference checks.
(Optional) If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. (This could include a reference from the previous list that you submit.) We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until March 3rd, 2024.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/PostDoctoral-Associate/62180