Biological Sciences - Research Associate
University of Alberta
Location:
Alberta
Date posted:
2010-03-11
University of Alberta
Department of Biological Sciences
Research Associate
Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in the Microbiology Group within the Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta.
This position will carry out independent high-level research activities and supervision in specified areas of functional glycomics with emphasis on bacterial glycosylation pathways and vaccine design. This will include: the design, development and application of new methods aimed to characterize the O-linked protein glycosylation pathway from Neisseria menigitidis using tools such as mass spectrometry (MS) to identify novel pathway components, to understand the basic underlying mechanistic principles of protein glycosylation in bacteria, and to exploit the system for glycoprotein engineering and therapeutic efforts.
To achieve these goals, experience in as many of the following fields as possible is essential: general molecular biology including PCR, DNA, RNA purification, manipulation and analyses, particularly with Streptococcus and anaerobic bacteria; gene expression and analyses, expression, purification and characterization of bacterial (glyco-)proteins including (glyco-)protein detection, purification, and analyses (ie., affinity chromatography and immunodetection). A deep understanding of MS and MS-MS analysis of glycopeptides is essential for this position.
The successful candidate will also be expected to play a large role in coordinating lab activities and collaborations within and across academic and industry partners from multiple sectors and disciplines. This position will also participate in the training and supervision of students, will play an active role in developing research proposals including preparing manuscripts for publication and will compile research summaries for collaborators, grant reporting and the dissemination of all research accomplishments in laboratory meetings, seminars and research conferences at the national and international level.
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Microbiology or a related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of relevant post-doctoral experience. The candidate should also have a solid background on plysaccharide biosynthesis and experience in polysaccharides purification and analysis.
This full time, grant funded position has an approximate appointment of three years commencing May 1, 2010. It includes a comprehensive benefits package and annual salary range of $49,801 - $56,029, commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement.
Interested applicants must submit a letter of application, together with a curriculum vitae and the names and contact information of three referees by April 22, 2010 to sbecker@ualberta.ca. To apply online please visit http://www.careers.ualberta.ca
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Alberta hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and Aboriginal persons.
