The Institute for Protein Design, in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Washington, currently has an outstanding opportunity for a full time X-ray Crystallographer Staff Scientist.  The Institute for Protein Design is designing a new world of synthetic proteins for 21st-century challenges.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborate with the Investigator and numerous researchers at the Institute for Protein Design on the X-ray crystal structure determination of de novo designed proteins.

Manage the activities of research scientists and undergraduate research support with oversight of all protein-to-structure activities at the Institute for Protein Design.

Design of new concepts, approaches and programs for structure determination of computationally designed proteins, of a diverse nature.

Perform various specialized scientific investigative procedures in X-ray structure determination in collaborative support of numerous research projects with minimal input from Investigator.

Use bio-informatics tools and pertinent laboratory and public databases, including the Protein Data Bank (PDB), and information resources to support gene-to-structure research, including deposition of atomic coordinates in the PDB for archival, sharing, and publication.

Direct the activities of technical support staff in the Baker lab and at the Institute for Protein Design in collaboration with other research staff.

Collaborate with other research staff, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students to select and maintain relevant protein research equipment to insure the lab meets required current and future needs.

Direct the development of new protein crystallization and X-ray structure determination strategies, and ascertain if they effectively addresses needs.

Manage complex multi-task projects directed at the design, production and structural characterization of numerous de novo designed proteins with higher order function.

Train laboratory research staff, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in protein X-ray crystallography, as well as wet lab equipment for protein production, structural elucidation, and biochemical characterization.

Direct projects with undefined time lines and uncertain outcomes requiring analysis from multiple perspectives.

Use expert knowledge and judgment to develop new methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D in Biochemistry, or related field, and X-ray Crystallography +5 or more years of related experience

Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaborative ability, as well as independent thought.

Advanced expertise in X-ray crystal structure determination, both computational and wet lab areas, with a full understanding of the underlying principles and concepts. May be recognized as a leader in their area of expertise.

Recognized as a resource for others to use in dealing with complex protein structure determination, computational and wet lab methods, equipment, processes, or procedures.  Anticipate future needs in technology support.

In-depth understanding of organizational structure both within and outside the work unit, including the role of each position in the group and in other groups.

Ability to develop innovative processes to achieve goals.  Direct others to develop essential tasks.  Review work activities to determine where new information could improve processes or move projects forward.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. degree in an appropriate field of science or technology or equivalent in education and experience AND total of six year’s research experience in protein biophysics, X-ray crystallography, computational biology and bioinformatics specifically in the X-ray crystal structure determination.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and CV to Matthew Bick at bickm@uw.edu.