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 NIH-funded Post-Doctoral Research Associate 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's 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 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

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.

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.

• PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field; completed within the past 5 years
• Practical skills with the most standard methods currently used in molecular biology, and biochemistry (such as protein expression, purification);
• Experience in structural biology (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography) is desired;
• Experience in RNA biology is desired;
• Strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology;

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should send their CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references directly to Dr. Polikanov at yuryp@uic.edu. In the cover letter, describe what your scientific interests are and how your previous research accomplishments and scientific interests fit with the scope of the research in the Polikanov research group.