Scientist I – Fischer Lab

The Fischer Lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a Structural and Chemical Biology lab that combines molecular biology, computational biology, structural biology and chemistry with various 'Omics' techniques such as proteomics to study the pathways and protein complexes involved in protein homeostasis and the ubiquitin proteasome system often associated with human diseases, including cancer.

The Fischer lab integrates structural biology, molecular biology and computational guided approaches to address fundamental questions about the mechanistic principles that govern signaling through the ubiquitin proteasome system.

The Fischer Lab (https://fischerlab.org/) seeks a highly motivated individual to join the research team as a Cryo-EM SCIENTIST who will work on various structural biology and biochemical projects addressing fundamental questions in our understanding of the ubiquitin system and ways we can manipulate this system with molecular glues and degrader molecules for therapeutic purposes. In addition, you will assist with training and mentoring Fischer lab members in sample preparation for both cryoEM and negative stain EM and data processing for various projects.

While we consider various backgrounds, practical experience with cryo-EM and a strong interest in understanding how molecular machines work and the desire to tackle a major problem of great significance are absolutely essential.

Our laboratory is based at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Longwood Center and is an affiliate of the BCMP department at Harvard Medical School. We are affiliated with state of the art facilities for structural biology (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, NMR), chemistry, biophysics, cellular imaging, etc. and the lab also has expertise and equipment for mass spectrometry including timsTOF pro/ultra and Orbitrap Eclipse/zoom mass spectrometers. Join our highly interactive team of scientists, postdocs, graduate students and technicians to work on understand signaling through the ubiquitin proteasome pathway and leverage these insights to test new avenues for therapeutic development.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities:

• Independently plan and perform purification strategies for recombinant proteins and protein complexes from insect, mammalian or bacterial cells.
• Structure determination by cryo-EM
• Responsible for supporting the needs of multiple small molecule discovery projects.
• Responsible for preparing and delivering scientific presentations as needed.
• Takes a lead role in the biochemistry, structural biology of projects.
• Train lab members in sample preparation, image acquisition and data processing for cryoEM and negative stain.
• Thoroughly documents all experiments, results and findings in a laboratory notebook.

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in biochemistry, structural biology or a related discipline with at least 2 years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
• Must have experience in experimental and computational cryo-EM techniques.
• Must possess excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proven track record of publications in peer reviewed journals reflecting scientific drive.
• Ability to collect and analyze experimental data, prepare research publications and communicate results.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative and team environment.
• Strong experience in protein biochemistry, protein purification and biophysical characterization.
• Familiarity with biophysical techniques used to assess interactions between proteins and proteins with small molecules.
• Experience in recombinant protein expression in bacterial, insect and/or mammalian cells.
• Experience with purification of recombinant proteins and protein complexes.