Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position Open in the Soranno Lab (Biochemistry Department)

Area of expertise: Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and Alzheimer’s Disease

The Soranno Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study isoform-dependent structural differences in Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) using single-molecule spectroscopic approaches. Our lab is interested in understanding how the sequence properties of disordered regions control protein conformational heterogeneity and ultimately function and dysfunction of the protein. In this project, a single amino acid substitution in ApoE (R to C in position 112) turns ApoE from a neutral element into the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, leading to a 15-fold risk increase to develop the late-onset form of the disease.

We have developed a single-molecule assay that enables accessing conformations of each ApoE isoform, lipid-free and lipid-bound, as a monomer (see tinyurl.com/apoe4ensemble ) or as part of dimers and tetramers. The project aims to identify conformational differences across different variants of the protein and to identify the mechanisms that lead toward neurotoxicity of the protein.

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work with state of the art single-molecule instrumentation. The project offers opportunity of interaction with our collaborators in the Bowman, Frieden, and Holtzman groups at our university. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. Additional information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs .

The position is funded for at least up to two years.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor, including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
• Develops expertise in single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy (including Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy).
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the university with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Maintains conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Engages in collegial and collaborative conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable university policies, procedures and regulations.  All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in university laboratories remain the property of the university.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or an equivalent terminal or doctoral degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Curious about learning new methodologies and developing new tools.
• Experience with protein purification, data analysis, and basic programming.
• Interested in a quantitative understanding of protein conformations and dynamics in their connection to function and dysfunction.
• Previous expertise in protein folding and binding, Alzheimer’s disease, or single-molecule spectroscopy.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

External Applicant Instructions

When you are ready to apply, creating an account only takes a minute. Your account creates a candidate home page which we will use to communicate with you and allows you to apply for jobs and view your application statuses. The first page of the application offers two “Quick Apply” options. Quick Apply allows you to either use a previous application or create a new application using a resume to populate the work experience and education sections of your job application. If using a resume to populate your application, check to ensure the application fields populated accurately. You may skip the “Quick Apply” page by clicking “Next” at the bottom of the page. Documents may be uploaded in the My Experience section of the application. You also have the option to apply with a LinkedIn feature, which allows you to apply by using your LinkedIn profile to populate some of the job application fields.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position Open in the Soranno Lab (Biochemistry Department)

Area of expertise: Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and Alzheimer’s Disease

The Soranno Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study isoform-dependent structural differences in Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) using single-molecule spectroscopic approaches. Our lab is interested in understanding how the sequence properties of disordered regions control protein conformational heterogeneity and ultimately function and dysfunction of the protein. In this project, a single amino acid substitution in ApoE (R to C in position 112) turns ApoE from a neutral element into the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, leading to a 15-fold risk increase to develop the late-onset form of the disease.

We have developed a single-molecule assay that enables accessing conformations of each ApoE isoform, lipid-free and lipid-bound, as a monomer (see tinyurl.com/apoe4ensemble ) or as part of dimers and tetramers. The project aims to identify conformational differences across different variants of the protein and to identify the mechanisms that lead toward neurotoxicity of the protein.

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work with state of the art single-molecule instrumentation. The project offers opportunity of interaction with our collaborators in the Bowman, Frieden, and Holtzman groups at our university. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. Additional information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs .

The position is funded for at least up to two years.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor, including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
• Develops expertise in single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy (including Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy).
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the university with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Maintains conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Engages in collegial and collaborative conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable university policies, procedures and regulations.  All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in university laboratories remain the property of the university.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or an equivalent terminal or doctoral degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Curious about learning new methodologies and developing new tools.
• Experience with protein purification, data analysis, and basic programming.
• Interested in a quantitative understanding of protein conformations and dynamics in their connection to function and dysfunction.
• Previous expertise in protein folding and binding, Alzheimer’s disease, or single-molecule spectroscopy.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

External Applicant Instructions

When you are ready to apply, creating an account only takes a minute. Your account creates a candidate home page which we will use to communicate with you and allows you to apply for jobs and view your application statuses. The first page of the application offers two “Quick Apply” options. Quick Apply allows you to either use a previous application or create a new application using a resume to populate the work experience and education sections of your job application. If using a resume to populate your application, check to ensure the application fields populated accurately. You may skip the “Quick Apply” page by clicking “Next” at the bottom of the page. Documents may be uploaded in the My Experience section of the application. You also have the option to apply with a LinkedIn feature, which allows you to apply by using your LinkedIn profile to populate some of the job application fields.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.