Job Description
A postdoctoral position is available in the Kinase Complexes Section (KCS), Center for Structural Biology (CSB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Frederick, MD. The candidate will perform basic research in molecular biology/structural biology/biochemistry.
The KCS group studies the structural and molecular mechanisms of kinase signaling complexes that are linked to human cancers and other diseases, with a long-term goal of developing new therapeutic strategies. Our current research objectives focus on an oncogenic protein kinase PKA fusion J-PKAcα, the RAF family kinases, and the leucine rich repeat kinases (LRRKs). We use interdisciplinary biochemical and structural approaches, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, to decipher the structure and function of these challenging kinase complex systems.
The research of the group is supported by the collaborative and interdisciplinary NIH intramural program, which includes more than 1100 labs and provides state-of-the-art equipment in structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. These core facilities are supported by Ph.D. level staff and offer hands-on training. In addition, NIH is committed to the continuing education and career development of its research staff through numerous courses and workshops offered by NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education and Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences. There are also opportunities for intramural career transition funding (K grants).
We have excellent access to high-end microscopes (Titan Krios/Cold FEG/Selectris / Falcon IV, Arctica/BioQuantum/K3 and Aquilos II CryoFIB available locally in addition to smaller testing microscopes) and crystallography (experience in protein crystal structure determination). We have excellent access to Synchrotron beamlines and in-house X-ray diffraction and SAXS cores.
The candidate must be highly motivated to participate in rigorous and innovative research programs and possess excellent work ethic and team spirit, be able to work independently and efficiently and collaborate closely with members of the group, and other labs on joint projects.
Qualifications and Job Details
Required and Preferred Skills
Interested candidates must have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree with less than 5 years of postdoctoral experience. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required. Applicants must have a strong background in molecular biology, structural biology, biochemistry, cell biology or a related discipline. The candidate should have good oral and written skills in English. The candidate should be skilled in at least one of the following areas: biochemistry and molecular biology (experience in protein purification from different expression systems of soluble and membrane proteins); electron microscopy (experience in cryo-EM sample preparation and digital image processing); cell biology.
About the NCI Center for Cancer Research
The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is home to nearly 250 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses just outside of Washington, D.C. CCR is part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and makes up the largest component of the research effort at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Centrally supported by long-term funding and a culture of complete intellectual freedom, CCR scientists are able to pursue the most important and challenging problems in cancer research. We collaborate with academic and commercial partners and advocacy groups across the world in efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and HIV/AIDS. The CCR research portfolio covers the full spectrum of biological and biomedical research. Our work ranges from basic to translational and clinical, and our clinical trials are conducted in the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest hospital dedicated to clinical research that offers a robust infrastructure to support CCR’s patients on an estimated 250 open studies. The success of CCR is grounded in an exceptionally strong discovery research program that provides the foundation for the seamless translation of insights from bench to bedside. Read more about CCR, the benefits of working at CCR and hear from our staff on their CCR experiences.
Frederick
Frederick is the second largest city in Maryland but retains a “small town” feel, surrounded by mountain views with a vibrant Main Street community. The city offers outstanding schools, a balanced and thriving economy and a highly educated workforce.