Postdoctoral Position in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Postdoctoral Position in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

University of Connecticut

The Alder Research Group in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut is seeking an exceptional candidate for a postdoctoral position. This is an NIH-funded position focused on the development and analysis of novel mitochondria-targeted drug compounds relevant to aging-related diseases. This position is available starting August 2021. The Alder lab is highly interdisciplinary, using a host of biochemical, biophysical, and structural techniques to investigate membrane-level phenomena relevant to mitochondrial physiology and dysfunction. For more information about the group, visit the lab website: https://alderlab.mcb.uconn.edu.

Job responsibility: This position entails investigation of mitochondrial therapeutic compounds with the ultimate objective of determining their molecular mechanisms and optimizing efficacy. Techniques involved in this position will include biophysical analysis of compounds with model membrane systems (calorimetry, analytical spectroscopy, and NMR); structural analysis of membrane protein complexes; super-resolution microscopy; and functional analyses at the mitochondrial and cellular levels using models of mitochondrial disease and dysfunction. Under the supervisor’s guidance, the successful candidate will conduct research (design and execute experiments and analyze data), draft manuscripts for publication, interact with a strong team of collaborators, and serve as a laboratory leader involved in the training of graduate and undergraduate students.

Job qualifications: Required qualifications include a Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field (biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or related discipline); a record of conducting high quality research; ability to work both independently and collaboratively; and extraordinary leadership skills. Preferred qualifications include research experience with any of the following: model membranes (nanodiscs and [proteo]liposomes), membrane protein biochemical and biophysical analysis, measurements of mitochondrial function, structural biology (specifically cryoelectron microscopy), cell culture, confocal and/or super-resolution microscopy.

Application materials, timeline, and how to apply: Applicants must submit a cover letter that includes a statement of research interest and accomplishments, a current CV, and the names of three professional references willing to provide letters of recommendation. Please compile materials as a single pdf and send directly to Dr. Nathan Alder (nathan.alder@uconn.edu) with the subject line “Alder Group PostDoc Application”. Applications will be reviewed immediately, and the review process will continue until the position is filled.  

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.