Job Description

Join the Pillai Lab—unravel how life’s molecular machines evolved and learn to design them from the ground up!

The studies how complex protein features, like folding, catalysis, assembly and allostery arose over deep evolutionary history. We do this by statistically resurrecting ancestral proteins and characterizing them in the lab. We also leverage deep-learning based computational tools to predict and design dynamical protein-based machines “from scratch”. Our dual mission is to (1) to understand how intricate protein traits, which may involve dozens or even thousands of precise atomic interactions, were generated by a blind stochastic evolutionary process – a central mystery in biology - and (2) to apply the principles gleaned from natural proteins to build useful nanomachines for medicine and biotechnology.

Now Hiring: Research Technician II

Who we seek : S elf-motivated, inquisitive scientists with strong organizational skills and a collaborative spirit. 3+ years of hands-on experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.

What you’ll do: Join a collegial, growing team decoding the evolutionary origins of life’s molecular machines and creating new ones. Daily work spans:

• Reconstructing evolutionary histories from protein-sequence data
• Computational design of dynamic proteins
• Recombinant expression, purification, and functional characterization of various proteins to answer questions about both biochemistry and evolution.
• Lab infrastructure upkeep (equipment maintenance, waste handling, data management, ordering)

Ideal for applicants who want to strengthen their research credentials before graduate school.

What we offer:

1. Tailored mentorship from the PI, Dr. Arvind Pillai, geared towards meeting your own goals for professional and scientific growth.
2. Lab culture rooted in core principles of creativity, inclusivity and team-work, with regular lab meetings, journal clubs and lunches.
3. Extensive opportunities for gaining technical skills in protein biochemistry, structural biology, bioinformatics, partly through collaboration with cutting edge technology centers at the Stowers Institute.
4. Professional development: Opportunities to attend scientific seminars, conferences and courses in biology and biochemistry.
5. Competitive compensation: salary, insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, 403(b)), and relocation assistance.
6. Outstanding campus perks : farm-to-fork café, fitness and sports facilities, and Kansas City’s affordable Midwest lifestyle.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience in a molecular biology or biochemistry lab
• Strong writing, communication and organizational skills
• Ability to master and troubleshoot new protocols
• Attention to detail and follow-through
• Programming ability (in Python) is a plus.

How to Apply: Please submit a current CV and cover letter with your career goals and research interests to [email protected] or to Administration Department, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110. At least 2 letters of recommendations will be needed after the initial screening of candidates.

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