Job Description

The successful candidate will work with Assistant Professor Brandon I Morinaka on the production and characterization of a new class of cyclic peptides using posttranslational modifying enzymes under a project on Next-generation peptides for infectious diseases.

The RF will be responsible for leading a project that involves the formation of novel cyclic peptides using enzymes. The cyclic peptides will be produced by either heterologous expression in Escherichia coli – or – by using purified enzymes. The subsequent products will be purified by chromatographic techniques and the structures determined by spectroscopic methods (LC-MS, NMR, and degradation/synthesis). Finally, the peptide products will be tested in bioassays relevant to infectious diseases for the identification of new bioactive peptides. The candidate should have a strong background in natural products chemistry or biosynthesis, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a team.

Other responsibilities include training of students/staff and maintenance/repair of equipment.

Qualifications

• Qualifications / Discipline: The candidate must possess a PhD in the Sciences with a focus on biochemistry/molecular biology, chemical biology, natural products chemistry/biosynthesis, or a field relevant to the researc
• Skills: Analytical chemistry (HPLC, Mass spectrometry, and Nuclear magnetic resonance). Molecular biology and biochemistry (cloning, PCR, protein expression, SDS-PAGE, CRISPR/CAS9) 
• Experience:  Bioinformatic analysis of natural product gene clusters. Isolation and structure elucidation of natural products. Cloning and expression of natural product enzymes and pathways.