The Herz lab/Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research at UT Southwestern invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the molecular and cellular functions of endolysosomal proteins and enzymes. The position will integrate cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and structural approaches to characterize protein expression, function, and regulation.

We seek a motivated, rigorous scientist with strong experimental skills and an interest in connecting cellular mechanisms with biochemical and structural insights. A central component of the research will involve constructing curated expression libraries and expressing and characterizing selected proteins in mammalian cells.

Research Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to investigate the expression, localization, processing, and function of endolysosomal proteins and enzymes.

• Construct, validate, and maintain curated expression libraries for systematic studies in mammalian cells.

• Establish and optimize mammalian cell–based expression systems and functional assays.

• Perform protein and mRNA analyses, including quantitative RNA measurements and biochemical characterization.

• Express and purify proteins for functional, biochemical, and structural studies.

• Conduct or coordinate mass spectrometry experiments and analyze the resulting data.

• Perform, or develop proficiency in, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and structural analysis.

• Maintain rigorous experimental records, interpret results critically, and communicate findings through presentations and manuscripts.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or a closely related discipline.

• Strong practical expertise in cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.

• Demonstrated experience constructing curated expression libraries and expressing genes in mammalian cells.

• Experience with protein and mRNA analysis, quantitative RNA analysis, and protein purification.

• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data-analysis skills.

• The ability to work independently and collaboratively and to communicate scientific findings clearly.

• Experience in cryo-EM and structural analysis, or a strong commitment to acquiring these skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience involving endolysosomal proteins, lysosomal enzymes, or related cellular pathways.

• Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry sample preparation, experimental design, and data interpretation.

• Experience optimizing mammalian protein expression and preparing purified proteins for biochemical or structural studies.

• Prior experience in cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, image processing, or structure determination.

Please include a CV, cover letter and contact information for 3 references with the application.  If you would like to include additional documents such as copies of your published papers, papers in press, or thesis, please do so.  

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community.  As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/