The salary range for this position is $70,000.00 – $75,000.00 annual ($5,833.33 - $6,250.00 per month) and is non-negotiable.

This is an NIH-funded postdoctoral position to study structure and mechanism of transfer-RNA modification enzymes that constitute a new class of candidate antibacterial drug targets. The laboratory is part of a long-standing multi-institutional consortium focused on studying the biosynthesis and functions of the hypermodified nucleotides of transfer-RNA and understand their roles in translation.

The current project aims to elucidate the mechanistic and structural basis for the biosynthesis of a universally conserved hypermodified nucleotide of the anti-codon stem-loop of tRNA using a multi-disciplinary approach comprising X-ray crystallography, cryoEM, SAXS, NMR spectroscopy, and biochemical methods.

The candidate will focus on structural elucidation using cryoEM and X-ray crystallography of multiple protein and protein-nucleic acid complexes and interface with the PI and team of collaborators on functional and mechanistic interpretation of results toward development of this critical metabolic pathway as an antibacterial target.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow is responsible for but not limited to:

Position Specific Responsibilities: be responsible for designing and conducting biochemical, molecular biological, and cryoEM experiments toward structural and functional characterization of enzymes (40%)

Data analysis and interpretation and preparation: submitting of manuscripts for publication (40%)

Grant Proposals: assisting in preparing grant applications (15%)

Organization and maintenance of laboratory supplies and protocols: (5%)

Knowledge & Abilities

• The candidate is required to have substantial experience and advanced skills in molecular biology and recombinant DNA methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in cryoEM methods, including proficiency in troubleshooting and optimization of sample/grid conditions for cryoEM analysis and data collection and processing.
• Desire to think independently across disciplines.

Experience & Education

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology or related area with a strong publication record.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Doctoral degree in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology or related area. 
• Prior experience in X-ray crystallography is desired.
• Motivated and highly independent researcher.
• Creative thinker and problem solver.
• Respectful human being.

Additional Applicant Information

SDSU Research Foundation offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU Research Foundation benefits, please click here.

• Candidate must reside in California or live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer/Title IX employer.