Research Associate 2

Makes uses of a variety of specialized equipment typical within area of specialization. May contribute to grant proposal development. 1. Ensures experiments or research efforts are performed according to specifications. 2. May make recommendations to changes in procedures, processes, or experimental design. 3. May prepare and/or edit research papers, proposals and reports. 4. Possesses, understands, and applies an advanced knowledge crossing fields of specialization to develop unique and new approaches or ideas. 5. Understands and uses effective management techniques. 6. Designs, operates and analyzes multiple large and/or complex experiments or research projects. 7. Reviews progress of projects. May serve as liaison with other areas of specialization to obtain support or technical expertise for projects. 8. Defines procedures or processes to be used in the research investigations. 9. May personally conduct important and/or technically complex investigations. 10. Operates with wide latitude for unreviewed action subject only to institutional policies and guidelines and ethical considerations. 11. Provides direction and supervision of graduate and undergraduate research assistants involved in experiments or research. Additional Posting Information: A newly established interdisciplinary research group in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Associate to help establish and lead the laboratory's experimental research program focused on protein aggregation and neurodegenerative diseases. Our research integrates AI- and physics-based modeling, molecular simulations, and biophysical/biochemical experiments to uncover the molecular mechanisms, transition states, and critical seed structures that drive the aggregation of intrinsically disordered proteins associated with neurodegenerative disorders, including tau, amyloid-beta, and alpha-synuclein. Computational predictions are tested experimentally through a broad range of biochemical, biophysical, molecular, and cellular approaches. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and leading the wet-lab component of the research program while working closely with a team of computational scientists. Responsibilities: • Perform fluorescence-based protein aggregation assays to monitor fibril formation, nucleation, and growth. • Conduct transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies to visualize fibril morphology and aggregation products. • Establish, optimize, and standardize experimental workflows for protein aggregation and biochemical studies. • Express, purify, and characterize recombinant proteins relevant to neurodegenerative diseases. • Design, handle, and characterize synthetic peptides. • Perform protein chemistry experiments, including quantitative characterization of protein stability, interactions, and function. • Design and perform kinetic experiments, including kinetic characterization and data analysis. • Perform binding assays to characterize the affinities and activities of computationally designed ligands, inhibitors, and protein binders. • Provide scientific leadership and technical guidance in the wet-lab program and assist with mentoring junior laboratory members. • Contribute to laboratory setup, manuscript preparation, grant applications, scientific presentations, and collaborative projects. Required Qualifications: • Ph.D. in Biochemistry. • A minimum of 10 years of research experience after Ph.D. • Extensive hands-on experience in protein chemistry experiments. • Demonstrated experience with kinetics experiments, including quantitative analysis, and interpretation. • Demonstrated experience with molecular and cellular assays. • Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization. • Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, with a minimum of 5 peer-reviewed publications. • Ability to work independently, lead experimental projects, troubleshoot complex experiments, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment. Preferred Experience: • Experience with one or more of the biophysical and biochemical techniques such as FPLC/SEC, SEC-MALS, DLS, SPR, ITC, and CD spectroscopy. • Previous experience with protein aggregation assays • Preferred previous experience with sample preparation and analysis for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) • Experience mentoring students, research staff, or junior scientists. Research Environment: The laboratory combines state-of-the-art computational approaches, including AI-driven protein and ligand design, molecular simulations, and statistical physics, with experimental validation to develop mechanistic understanding and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. The successful candidate will interact closely with computational researchers while maintaining a primary focus on experimental studies. Examples of experiments anticipated in this role can be found in the experimental sections of our publications in Nature Communications 15(1), 2756 (2024) and Nature Communications 10(1), 2493 (2019). Application: Applicants should submit a CV with a complete list of publications, a short cover letter (maximum one page) describing research interests and relevant experience, and contact information for two references to Levent Sari at lsari@uh.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is November 1, 2026, although a later start date can also be considered. MQ: Ph.D. Degree with 3 years of experience. All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.