We are seeking a Research Assistant (Life Sciences Research Professional 1) to assist our research program in cellular and molecular biology. The ideal candidate will join the lab in June or July 2024.

Our lab aims to understand how human cells produce and quality control biomedically important membrane proteins like transporters, receptors and ion channels that are essential many cellular functions. Misfolding and premature degradation of these membrane proteins is leads to severe diseases like cystic fibrosis or various channelopathies. In addition, many viruses exploit the cell’s biogenesis and quality control machinery to for their own replication. We aim to characterize the molecular machines and pathways that mature human membrane proteins to better understand how to treat these disease and fend off deadly viral infections.

Towards that goal, the lab also develops novel technology to study and modulate protein quality control pathways for therapeutic benefit. The lab combines cell biology, (structural) biochemistry and protein engineering approaches to tackle challenging human health problems like protein misfolding diseases that cause neurodegeneration. One particular type of tool we exploit for these purposes are small, single-domain antibodies (called nanobodies) from alpacas. These tiny antibodies can be produced in human cells to manipulate intracellular biology e.g. to inhibit or activate protein folding and degradation processes. We use alpaca immunization, synthetic nanobody libraries and computational binder prediction tools to generate function-modulating nanobodies targeting key protein folding and degradation factors of biomedical importance.

In this role you will work alongside senior lab members to assist, as well as independently execute and troubleshoot experiments. You will have the opportunity to train new lab members, help in organizing the lab space and contribute directly to our ongoing research projects and publications. 

Our lab is an inclusive space that fosters learning & curiosity, promotes team work and values mentorship to drive an innovative research program that pushes the boundaries of molecular biology.

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Duties include:

• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.

• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.

• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.

• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.

• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.

• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.

• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.