Postdoctoral Scientist - Mendoza Lab

About the Mendoza Lab:

The Mendoza Lab focuses on structure-based protein engineering to understand cellular signaling pathways in human immunity, with particular emphasis on cancer and viral immunity. Our goal is to develop protein-based therapeutics by combining biochemical, structural, and computational approaches.

Learn more about the lab:

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join our dynamic team. Candidates should have a strong interest in protein biochemistry, membrane proteins, and structural determination methods such as X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM (training available).

What Youll Do:

• Leverage proprietary platforms to:

• Screen cytokine signaling pathways and identify druggable targets

• Apply structure-based engineering to design and develop protein-based therapeutics

• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, both internally and with external partners

• Integrate computational and structural data to guide rational protein engineering

• Perform molecular biology and protein biochemistry experiments

• Conduct structural biology studies and analyze protein structures

• Design and execute cell-based assays for functional validation

• Analyze next-generation sequencing data to inform experimental decisions

• Coordinate with collaborators on the design and analysis of in vivo studies

Lab Resources & Equipment:

• FPLCs with a fluorimeter

• Incubators for mammalian, bacterial, and yeast culture

• Thermocyclers, qPCR instrumentation

• Ion Torrent NGS system (supports RNA-seq and libraries up to 500bp)

• 4-laser, 11-color flow cytometer

• Robotics for high-throughput crystallography

• Nanotemper Monolith MST instrument for affinity measurements

• Access to cryo-EM facilities at the University of Chicago

What We Provide:

• A supportive, mentorship-focused lab culture committed to your scientific and career development

• Access to the University of Chicago workshops and classes on scientific communication, grant writing, and job preparation

• Opportunities to train in cryo-EM through internal and collaborative efforts

• Funding consideration for scientific conferences and external training programs

• Full access to HHMIs on-demand training courses and live seminars led by expert instructors

What You Bring:

• Ph.D. and/or M.D./Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, or a related field

• Less than two years of postdoctoral research experience

• Experience with protein production, cloning, and cell-based assays

• Excellent communication skills, self-motivation, and the ability to multitask in a collaborative environment

• Interest or experience in computational biology and AI/machine learning (highly preferred)

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the jobs principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word may, the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are essential functions of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMIs salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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