Description

Job Summary:

We are seeking one highly self-motivated scientist to join an exciting, interactive, and productive research team and work on interdisciplinary projects in human viral pathogens, including HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, etc. The ideal candidate should have relevant extensive research experience in virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or biophysics. Our campus is in Tyler, East Texas, with a low cost of living. Tyler is known for the rose capital of America, towering pine trees, Medicare facilities, and choice of retirement places. The PI Lu and the growing lab have a strong research record in understanding function-determining structural dynamics of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 surface spikes (Nature, 2019, 568: 415-419; Cell Host & Microbe, 2020, 28: 880-891. e8; Nat Struct Mol Biol, 2020, 27: 726-734; J Virol. 2020, 94(17): JVI.00597-20; mBio, 2022, 13 (1), e03227-21; Cell Chem Biology, 2023, accepted (BioRxiv [preprint], 2023, PMC10002649)). More details can be found at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/maolin.lu.1/bibliography/public/.

Major Responsibilities / Duties / Critical Tasks:

The Lu laboratory investigates virus-host interactions using multiple cutting-edge technologies involving biophysical imaging tools, genetic code expansion, click chemistry, virological techniques (infectivity, fusion, titration, antigen-antibody binding, etc.), molecular biology (cloning, cell culture, protein purification, flow cytometry, etc.), cryoEM/cryoET, and MD simulations. We aim to combine different ideas and expertise to understand the critical role of conformational/structural presentations and dynamics of spike proteins of enveloped viruses in cell entry and immune evasion. Research projects in the Lu lab are well-funded by NIH (MIRA R35, R56, and upcoming R01) and foundations (Gilead and amfAR). We have built a broad collaborative network involving multiple prestigious research groups worldwide. We are affiliated with Duke University Center for HIV Structural Biology, with numerous resources and opportunities to facilitate the career development of trainees in structural biology.

Qualifications

Required Education / Experience:

Ideal candidates should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, communicate well in English, have a great publication record, and have two or more areas of the following training experience.

1) Virology: Lentiviruses, coronaviruses, or other human viral pathogens.

2) Biomedical imaging, such as live cell imaging, super-resolution, single particle tracking, confocal, TIRF, etc. Programming experience is highly preferred.

3) Biochemistry/Structural biology: protein purification, crystallography, cryoEM/ET, SPR, ELISA, etc.

4) Molecular biology: molecular cloning, western blots, flow cytometry, qPCR, etc.

ACCOMPANYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES::

Self-motivated, quick-learner, energetic applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

Please email a cover letter explaining relevant work experience and potential starting date, a CV, and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Maolin Lu, email: maolin.lu@uthct.edu or maolin.lu@uttyler.edu.