Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology - UTK

The Joshi lab (www.joshilaboratory.com) is looking for highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to study biogenesis of membrane-bound organelles such as lipid droplets and peroxisomes. Our lab is interested in understanding molecular mechanisms of organelle biogenesis from ER membrane using budding yeast and mammalian cell culture. Formation of organelles such as peroxisomes and lipid droplets occur at specialized regions in the ER called ER subdomains. This project will involve characterizing the ER subdomains to identify their protein and lipid composition as well as study membrane curvature induced by ER shaping proteins such as Pex30 (yeasts) and MCTPs (mammals) using Cryo-EM. For our research we use yeast and mammalian cell culture systems, confocal and super-resolution microscopy, live-cell imaging, advanced image acquisition and quantitation methods as well as several biochemical and molecular biology techniques. 

The Joshi lab is in the BCMB department (bcmb.utk.edu) at the University of Tennessee in the city of Knoxville. This a grant-funded position and contingent upon the continued funding of the grant. 

The candidate is expected to design and carry out independent research, write fellowship applications (if applicable), present research at local, national, and international meetings and publish papers. The candidate must be self-motivated, have a strong aptitude for research, and the ability to quickly learn new areas of research and carry out experiments in a new system. The candidate’s primary responsibility will be to conduct research. The candidate will have the opportunity to mentor junior lab members, including undergraduate and graduate students. Good organization, time management, computer skills and the ability to work on multiple projects independently as well as collaboratively is necessary. 

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.

• A record of peer-reviewed publications.

• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent working knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques.  
• Experience in super-resolution microscopy, electron microscopy, identifying protein-protein interaction networks, or protein purification is a plus. 

Work Location 

• Location: Ken and Blaire Mossman Building

• Onsite 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Anticipated hiring range: $55,000-$60,000

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

For full consideration, interested individuals should provide:

• Resume
• Cover Letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required minimum qualification

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

About The Department

The University of Tennessee Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) is home to over 400 undergraduate majors. Housed in the Ken and Blaire Mossman (1311 Cumberland Ave.) and Hesler Biology and Greenhouse (1406 Circle Dr.) Buildings, our research teams of faculty, undergrads, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows are working on topics ranging from molecular structure to organismal levels.