Postdoctoral Research Associate at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

 

Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Job ID #143962)

Department:

Pharmacy

Category:

Postdoc Res Assoc

Location:

Chicago

Close Date:

06/30/2021

Description:

Gao lab (pepchem.org) at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on sensitive protein detection (e.g. single-cell proteomics) methods and the elucidation of protein interactions (e.g. protein-protein interaction, protein-small molecule interaction, etc.). Gao lab was established in Fall 2018 and currently equipped with a QE-HF mass spectrometer and powerful computing resources. The lab is well-funded and looking for talented PhDs to fill three Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. 

Duties:

There are currently three main projects in the lab:

1. Multi-omics data integration and analysis.

This project focuses on integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics data to provide advanced knowledge of the complex biological systems. Our model systems include multiple types of cancer, Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular diseases. This will allow us to truly understand the biological system as it provides a more comprehensive view than any individual omics study.

2. Single-cell proteomics.

This project focuses on the development of ultra-sensitive methods to detect and quantify proteins. We use mainly three tools to achieve this goal: a) Chemical labeling b) Statistical modeling c) Minimal-loss sample preparation. This will allow us to detect cell heterogeneity at the protein level in neurons or cancer cells, which may fundamentally change the way we treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

3. Drug targets elucidation

This project focuses on elucidating the binding proteins of known small molecules. We aim to establish a method to study the interactome of small molecules and directly predict their biological outcomes. This will greatly accelerate current drug development by providing advanced information regarding drug off-target effects and toxicity.

 

Qualifications:

Requirements:  Applicants must have a Ph.D. Degree. Proficiency in specific lab research techniques is required as outlined below. Additional Qualifications:  Expertise in any of the following areas will be considered.

1. Bioinformatics and Statistics: REQUIRED: Knowledge of at least Python or R programming language; PREFERRED: a deep understanding of commonly used classification and clustering algorithms; experience in statistics and machine learning; knowledge of common data visualization techniques; basic knowledge of Linux system.

2. Chemical Synthesis:  REQUIRED: Training in organic chemistry and synthetic chemistry; PREFERRED: chemical probe synthesis; solid-phase synthesis; experience in small scale synthesis and purification.

3. Molecular Biology:  REQUIRED: Training in biology and molecular biology; familiar with common molecular biology techniques such as cell culture, protein expression/purification, DNA/RNA extraction; PREFERRED: previous experience related to one of the following areas  a) cancer biology b) neurobiology and degenerative diseases c) cell cycles and development

4. Mass Spectroscopy and Proteomics: REQUIRED: Training in mass spectroscopy and deep knowledge of mass spectrometer; PREFERRED: familiar with mass spectrometry data analysis; experience with electronics and traps; experience with LTQ/Orbitrap instruments; capillary column separation; peptide/protein identification; protein crosslinking; knowledge of instrument application programming interface.

5. Computer Programming: REQUIRED: Familiar with at least one of the following languages, c/c++/c#/CUDA/openCL, python, java, javascript, assembly, go, matlab; PREFERRED: experience with parallel computing algorithms; experience in signal processing; familiar with graphical user interface development; experience with HTML/CSS/PHP/MySQL; hardware and network infrastructure.

Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and the names and contact information of three references to: https://jobs.uic.edu/job-board/job-details?jobID=143962­­­­­­ by June 30, 2021.

 

 

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.