Research Associate (Post-Doctoral Fellow) – Structural Biology - Advanced Science Research Center
GENERAL DUTIES
Conducts academic research in connection with CUNY programs; may assist faculty, staff, and students in conducting research and lead research efforts involving others.

• Develops research plans and proposals and participates in acquiring funding
• Collects, analyzes, and assures validity of data
• Writes progress reports; writes and publishes findings
• Collaborates with internal and external colleagues
• Adheres to standards for safety and hygiene and ethical conduct as defined by the University and relevant outside parties

CONTRACT TITLE
Research Associate
FLSA
Exempt
CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION
The Graduate Center, CUNY is the focal point for advanced teaching and research at The City University of New York (CUNY), the nation's largest urban public university. With over 35 doctoral and master's programs of the highest caliber, the Graduate Center fosters pioneering research and scholarship in the arts and sciences and prepares students for careers in universities and the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. The Graduate Center's commitment to research and scholarship for the public good is exemplified by its more than 30 centers, institutes, and initiatives, including its Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), a 200,000 square-foot facility in upper Manhattan, designed to promote collaboration among scientists in five areas of global research and innovation: nanoscience, photonics, structural biology, neuroscience, and environmental sciences.
The Graduate Center (GC) benefits from highly ambitious and diverse students and alumni-who in turn teach hundreds of thousands of undergraduates every year. Through its public programs, the Graduate Center enhances New York City's intellectual and cultural life.
The ASRC's Structural Biology Initiative seeks a Research Associate (Post-doctoral Fellow) who will report to Professor Vallese Francesca. The Vallese research aims to elucidate the structural and functional aspects of Ankyrin complexes, which play a crucial role in cellular architecture and function. The primary focus will be on isolating these complexes from their native systems, including blood, neurons, and cardiomyocytes, followed by detailed structural determination using Cryo-EM.
The ultimate goal of this research is to understand the interactions between the proteins within these complexes and their functional roles in their native cellular environments. Abnormalities in the components of these complexes are linked to various human disorders, and our research utilizing Cryo-Electron Tomography (Cryo-ET) will contribute to the identification and understanding of these abnormalities.
In addition to structural studies, we are integrating complementary biochemical and cell biological approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of these complexes. These methods include Biolayer Interferometry (BLI), single-molecule tracking, and in vitro reconstitution techniques. These combined approaches will help delineate the mechanisms that govern the architecture and function of the Ankyrin complexes, offering insights into their roles in health and disease.
It is expected that the incumbent will independently pursue new research ideas, publish outstanding papers and publicize his/her work at conferences, mentor graduate students, and participate in fundraising efforts.
The lab is part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary research environment at the Structural Biology Initiative of ASRC, in which multiple groups share mixed labs, structures and facilities. Along this line, we truly value and promote the genuine exchange of ideas and expertise. The CUNY Advanced Science Research Center provides sophisticated equipment and staff support to researchers.
This position is for one year and is renewable for a second and third year, with an end date no later than January 2025 and require the incumbent to work in person.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Doctoral Degree in a related field and demonstrated research ability.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
A preferred candidate should have:

• Ph.D. degree in Structural Biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate that their Ph.D. degree will be completed by December 2025.
• A strong record in conducting high-quality research in protein biochemistry or biophysics.
• Experience in structural biology is highly desirable.
• Two (2) years of research experience in the field biochemistry and structural biology.
• Experience with Cryo-EM and Cryo-ET techniques is a plus.

COMPENSATION
$64,000-$70,000. Salary commensurate with education and experience.
BENEFITS
CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.
HOW TO APPLY
Click on “Apply Now” below which links to the registration screen. If you are a new user, you must register to apply. If you already have a user ID, please use your existing ID.
Please submit application materials in PDF format and include both a resume/CV and a cover letter describing your interest and summarizing your qualifications for the position. In the CV, please also list the contact information of three professional references who can speak to your scientific research and communication skills.
CLOSING DATE
Open until filled with a review of applications to begin on October 21, 2024.
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
Job ID
28876
Location
Graduate Center