Job Posting: Research Associate Limited-Term
Faculty / Division
Medicine
Department
Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
Supervisor
Professor Jeffrey Lee
Campus
St. George (downtown Toronto)
Term:
1 year
Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Associate shall carry out all technologies independently, with general consultation with the
Principal Investigator. Consultation and collaboration with the Principal Investigator’s collaborators in
different locations may also be required. Primary responsibilities will include:
Molecular Biology:
These include:
(i)
(ii)
Tissue Culture:
These include:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Protein Biochemistry:
These include:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Structural Biology:
These include:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Sub-cloning of genes into expression vectors (restriction-based and ligation
independent cloning techniques)
Modification of constructs (site-directed mutagenesis, insertions and deletions)
Generation and maintenance of transfected and established cell lines
Transfection of cells
Small and large-scale expression of target proteins in eukaryotic and/or
mammalian cell cultures
Handling and generation of pseudotyped viruses for viral entry assays
Familiarity with flow cytometry-based methods and operations
Protein expression in bacterial and eukaryotic systems
Protein purification (affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion chromatography)
Western blot, Blue-Native and SDS-PAGE analysis
Protein characterization by analytical ultracentrifugation, light scattering (SECMALS or DLS), isothermal titration calorimetry, biolayer interferometry,
Thermofluor, and CD spectroscopy
Protein crystallization (vapour diffusion, microseeding)
Heavy atom derivatization techniques of proteins and/or protein crystals
Diffraction and data collection on home and synchrotron X-ray radiation sources
Analysis and processing of diffraction images
Structure determination by molecular replacement, SAD/MAD, MIR or
SIRAS/MIRAS
Model building, refinement, validation and data deposition
General:
The Research Associate is expected to design and carry out a research project independently or by
leading a small group of trainees, as well as writing the manuscript. Moreover, the Research
Associate will manage the day-to-day operations and smooth functioning of the lab, maintenance of
equipment, maintaining adequacy and ordering of supplies. S/he will also aid the Principal
Investigator in training and supervising other members of the lab and ensuring all required
guidelines and rules for use of chemicals, biohazardous agents and safe lab practices are followed.
In addition, the Research Associate shall aid the Principal Investigator in managing and maintaining
the lab’s cell culture resources.
Qualifications
(Minimum)
Education:
PhD with a minimum of 3 years postdoctoral experience, and significant demonstrated
experience and expertise in areas of Duties and Responsibilities.
Experience:
Record of research achievement with first-authored publications in major international
journals; experience in independent preparation of scientific manuscripts; presentations
and research plans; a proven track record of carrying out independent research; familiarity
with structural biology, biochemical and biophysical techniques is an important asset.
Skills:
Experimental design and troubleshooting; adapting and learning new techniques;
mammalian and eukaryotic cell culture, X-ray crystallographic, biophysical, biochemical,
and molecular biological techniques is essential. Ability to work with and train students,
including training in techniques and giving advice in the design and troubleshooting of their
experiments. Effective communication in English and writing of peer-reviewed scientific
manuscripts is required.
Other:
Excellent analytical and problem-resolution skills; strong communicator (both oral and
written) with the ability to interface well with a team of people; ability to lead a small team
of trainees to drive a project independently; good time management and organization skills
with the ability to work on multiple competing tasks; demonstrated ability to make quality
decisions. Ability to complete University of Toronto biosafety procedures will be required.
Schedule
Full-time
Job Posting
June 23, 2015
Job Closing
July 3, 2015
Salary Range
$41,342 - $77,492. Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Source of Funding
Grant
Application:
Forward your cover letter and CV to:
Prof. Jeffrey Lee
Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology
University of Toronto
Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle,
Toronto, ON M5S 1A8
Email: jeff.lee@utoronto.ca
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The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes
applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, person with disabilities,
members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Canadian Citizens and permanent residents will be given
priority.
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