SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Munson lab focuses on understanding how eukaryotes use vesicle trafficking and membrane fusion to move protein and lipid cargo between their organelles and to the plasma membrane for secretion, growth and intercellular communication. The lab has its own unique niche in the trafficking community—we successfully combine biochemistry, single particle negative stain and cryoEM, biophysics, genetics and cell biology. Our multidisciplinary and collaborative approach has yielded critical insights into the molecular basis for the spatial and temporal regulation of vesicular trafficking and membrane fusion in cells and in models for human diseases. Specifically, we study how the SNARE membrane fusion proteins are regulated by the exocyst complex and the Sec1/Munc18 (SM) family proteins, Sec1 and VPS45. For more information, see https://www.umassmed.edu/munsonlab/.

We have an NIH-funded opening for a postdoctoral associate that will lead several structural projects, using cryoEM and complementary approaches, investigating the function of the exocyst complex in exocytosis and how exocyst is specifically regulated through several activation steps. The postdoc is expected to design, carry out, and analyze the experiments, and communicate the findings (written and oral presentations) for these experiments, as well as train and mentor junior scientists working on related projects in the laboratory.

We are part of a dynamic structural biology and biochemistry community at UMass Chan Medical School with outstanding resources, core facilities, colleagues, training, and mentoring (see https://www.umassmed.edu/bmb/research/core-facilities/). As a multidisciplinary lab, we use a variety of complementary approaches including biochemistry, cell biology, microscopy, and genetic studies in yeast and mammalian cells to study these processes. The lab is highly collaborative and supportive, and strongly values colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This is a fantastic opportunity for an accomplished structural biologist to acquire additional skills that complement their previous training, while determining and publishing impactful new structures.

Applicants are expected to be able to design and conduct experiments independently, with training and mentoring available from Dr. Munson and others in the lab. Strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills are required. We offer excellent training opportunities and a competitive salary depending on experience and track record.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or related field. Research expertise in the determination of cryoEM structures is strongly preferred.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry

TO APPLY: Applicant should email their CV, cover letter describing research experience and interests, and contact information of three references to: Mary Munson, PhD, (mary.munson@umassmed.edu). Interested candidates must also apply through the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School jobs portal (https://www.umassmed.edu/jobs/).

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