Post-Doctoral Position in Structural Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to Study the Structure and Function of the Ribosome

The Polikanov Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago (IL, USA) is looking for a talented, skillful, and highly motivated researcher to fill the available NIH-funded Post-Doctoral Scholar position to study the structure and function of the bacterial ribosome.

The research in the Polikanov Laboratory is focused on understanding the basic principles of protein synthesis in bacteria, the modes of action of ribosome-targeting antibiotics, and the mechanisms of drug resistance at a structural level. More information about Dr. Polikanov research can be obtained from the most recent publications (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/yury.polikanov.1/bibliography/50395623/public/?sort=date&direction=descending) or found on the web-page (https://bios.uic.edu/bios/people/faculty/yury-polikanov). The successful candidate will be involved in the determination of high-resolution structures of ribosome functional complexes with various protein translation factors, tRNAs, and antibiotics using macromolecular X-ray crystallography and potentially cryo-EM techniques.

Basic qualifications: 
  • PhD in chemistry, biochemistry
    , 
    biophysics, 
    or a related field;
  • Practical skills with the most standard methods currently used in molecular biology, and biochemistry (such as protein expression, purification);
  • Experience in structural biology (X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM);
  • Experience in the RNA biology field is not required but highly desired;

The successful candidate is also expected to:

  • Act independently in terms of planning and executing the experiments;
  • Compile, analyze, and prepare data for publications;
  • Assist with training of graduate and undergraduate students.


Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should apply by 04/16/2021 using the following link:
or email directly to Dr. Polikanov - yuryp@uic.edu.
Please make sure to include CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. For full consideration, in the cover letter, describe how your previous research accomplishments and scientific interests fit with the scope of the research in the Polikanov research group.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process. 

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899