The Polikanov Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago (IL, USA) is looking for talented, skillful, and highly motivated researchers to fill the NIH/NSF-funded Visiting Research Specialist positions 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 laboratory web-page (https://bios.uic.edu/bios/people/faculty/yury-polikanov). The successful candidate will be involved in determination of high-resolution structures of ribosome functional complexes with various protein translation factors, tRNAs, and antibiotics using macromolecular X-ray crystallography techniques.

• Perform research relevant to the assigned projects;
• Isolate and crystallize bacterial ribosomes;
• Purify all additional components necessary for the crystallization experiments, such as recombinant proteins, tRNAs;
• Collect X-ray diffraction data from the ribosome crystals at the APS Synchrotron;
• Perform data analysis; coordinate, analyze, and document results for publication;
• Directly participate in writing papers and grants based on the experimental data;
• Train undergraduate and graduate students in research methods, use of equipment, record keeping, and laboratory database entry;
• Attend weekly group meetings and journal clubs.

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences required, Master’s degree or higher is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of laboratory research experience is required.
• Strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology is required.
• Experience in X-ray crystallography is not required but highly desirable.
• Experience with molecular cloning and protein chemistry is highly desirable.
• Experience with bacterial ribosomes and bacterial translation systems.
• Successful candidate should be able to walk into the laboratory and be able start working without significant additional training in basic molecular biology techniques.