Researcher 3 Nat Phys Science

Department: Chemistry

Salary: Commensurate with Experience/Education

Description: Provides expertise in support of research projects in engineering, biology, mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, etc. Prepares and edits research papers, proposal, and reports. Performs advanced testing procedures and analyses of data. May prepare samples for testing. Performs advanced testing procedure and performs analyses of data. Makes uses of a variety of specialized equipment typical within area of specialization. May contribute to grant proposal development. 1. Ensures experiments are performed according to specifications. 2. May make recommendations to changes in procedure, processes, or experimental design. 3. Understands and applies fundamental theoretical concepts. 4. Develops understanding of advanced theoretical concepts. 5. Work is varied and somewhat difficult. Originality and ingenuity is required. 6. Receives direct supervision referring complex situation to higher levels.

Description: The Department of Chemistry in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston invites applications for a Researcher 3 Nat Phys Science position in the laboratory of Dr. David Hoffman. The Researcher will contribute to an active research program focused on single-molecule biophysics, super-resolution microscopy, human stem cell engineering, membrane trafficking, and copper homeostasis in neuronal systems. This position requires a scientist with advanced technical expertise in the Hoffman laboratory’s core experimental platforms and biological models, including genome engineering of human embryonic stem cells, fluorescent protein tagging strategies, clone validation, super-resolution microscopy, and cell-based biophysical studies of metal homeostasis-related proteins. The successful candidate is expected to contribute immediately and independently to ongoing research projects with minimal additional training.

Duties

• Design, perform, and optimize experiments involving CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in human embryonic stem cells.
• Generate, isolate, and validate homozygous knock-in human embryonic stem cell lines expressing fluorescently tagged proteins relevant to the lab’s research program.
• Maintain and characterize human embryonic stem cell cultures, including passaging, clone selection, quality control, and validation.
• Conduct molecular biology procedures including plasmid construction, donor design, PCR, genotyping, sequencing analysis, and clone screening.
• Develop and apply fluorescence-labeling strategies involving photoactivatable fluorescent proteins, SNAP-tag labeling, and related cell-based imaging approaches.
• Prepare samples for and perform experiments using super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule fluorescence imaging.
• Support mechanistic studies of CTR1, SOD1, copper homeostasis, membrane trafficking, and related neuronal or stem cell-based biological systems.
• Analyze imaging and molecular data, maintain detailed research records, and assist in preparing manuscripts, protocols, and figures for publication.
• Provide technical training and continuity for junior researchers working on specialized methods established in the laboratory.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.
• Extensive research experience in cell-based biophysical, imaging, or molecular cell biology research.
• Demonstrated expertise in human embryonic stem cell culture and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering.
• Proven experience generating and validating homozygous knock-in stem cell lines expressing fluorescently tagged proteins.
• Hands-on experience with fluorescent protein tagging strategies, including photoactivatable fluorescent proteins and/or SNAP-tag-based labeling in mammalian cells.
• Strong experience in molecular cloning, donor/plasmid preparation, PCR genotyping, sequence validation, and clone screening.
• Demonstrated experience with super-resolution microscopy, single-molecule fluorescence imaging, or other advanced fluorescence microscopy approaches.
• Prior research experience related to copper homeostasis, membrane trafficking, SOD1 biology, CTR1 biology, or neuronal cell systems.
• A strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant areas.
• Ability to work independently and maintain productivity on technically demanding projects with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience generating homozygous knock-in human embryonic stem cell lines expressing mEos4b-tagged membrane proteins or SNAP-tagged intracellular proteins.
• Prior work on SOD1, or related proteins involved in copper homeostasis.
• Research experience connecting membrane trafficking machinery with metal homeostasis in neuronal or stem cell-based systems.
• Familiarity with the practical and analytical challenges of super-resolution microscopy in biophysical research.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute across an integrated research pipeline spanning stem cell engineering, molecular biology, fluorescence labeling, imaging, and manuscript preparation.

Application Instructions Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter describing research experience and fit for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

MQ: Bachelor's Degree with 1 year experience.