This is a 100% Limited position for 12 months. This appointment may be extended or converted to career status based on the needs of the department.

Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. The department’s organization is divided among three major research themes each with its own department leadership representation under the Department Chair: Biochemistry & Biophysics; Synthesis, Materials and Chemical Biology; and Physical, Analytical and Environmental Chemistry. The department is comprised of 75 ladder rank faculty, and additional 10 in various instructional titles and ~150 in academic research titles and postdoctoral scholars. The above academic community presents a plethora of diverse complex issues from Health Sciences Compensation Program agreements to adjuncts from national laboratories sharing negotiated employee patent agreements. The department is also comprised of 90 career staff; ~60 temporary or student staff, and 350 Master’s and Ph.D. students. Undergraduate students majoring in chemistry number greater than 1,700, and total undergraduate and graduate annual course enrollments exceed 23,000. The department currently has more than 120 awards from federal, state and private sources for approximately $20 million per annum in extramural funding and $46 million in total annual expenditures.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry manages eight recharge facilities supporting national as well as UCSD-wide research endeavors in academe and industry: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Molecular Mass Spectrometry, Biomolecular and Proteomics Mass Spectroscopy, Inorganic Characterization Instrumentation, Protein Crystallography, Small Molecule X-Ray Crystallography, Fabrication Facility plus the on campus Chemistry Storehouse. In addition, we are home to two national research center grants. The department also manages three major NIH training grants, and one Department of Education training grant, which fund graduate and postdoctoral students across UCSD departments/disciplines as well as off campus research organizations.

The research program in the Mishanina lab integrates biochemical, biophysical and structural approaches to study the enzymes involved in gene expression and its regulation in human mitochondria and bacteria. In particular, we aspire to understand how RNA polymerase (RNAP), the central enzyme in gene expression, contributes to prokaryotic gene regulation via transcriptional pausing; how it couples RNA synthesis to DNA replication, RNA processing and translation in mitochondria, and how we can control the above processes to rationally manipulate gene expression for antimicrobials, diagnostics and treatments of disease.

Under general supervision, incumbent will conduct research into the molecular mechanisms of gene expression using purified protein and nucleic-acid components. Incumbent will utilize a wide variety of standard molecular biology and biochemical methods such as cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification, plus more specialized techniques such as in vitro transcription assays. Finally, incumbent will collaborate with other members of the lab, compile results, and be required to participate in lab meetings and seminars related to the projects.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

• Demonstrated experience and skill in molecular cloning techniques (restriction digest, PCR, Gibson assembly, site-directed mutagenesis, bacterial transformation).

• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, including protein analysis tools (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, spectroscopic analysis).

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of biochemistry acquired through a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, or a related field; or and equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Demonstrated successful, positive interpersonal oral and written communication skills using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and procedures.

• Demonstrated organizational skills, including ability to keep clear and accurate records and follow written and oral lab protocols. Must be flexible and able to function in a fast-paced and changing work environment.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in matters related to work.

• Demonstrated skill with using enzymatic and nucleic-acid binding assays.

• Demonstrated ability to validate constructs via diagnostic PCR and DNA sequencing.

• Experience and skill with MAC or PC programs, filemaking, spreadsheet, and graphics software; willingness and ability to update and increase computer skills and knowledge as needed.

Pay Transparency Act Full Salary Range: $51,949 - $61,972 Annually

The University of California, San Diego is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position defined as the Expected Pay Scale. Placement within the Expected Pay Scale is determined by internal equity, relevant qualifications, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

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