Research Scientist - Fungal natural product chemist

Primary Work Address: 418 E 71st St #21, New York, NY, 10021 The laboratory of Dr. Samara Reck-Peterson at Weill CornellMedicine in New York, NY is looking for an accomplishedResearch Scientist with expertise in fungal natural productsalong with experience in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics anddata processing for targeted and non-targeted approaches withexpertise in natural product chemistry. The Reck-Peterson Labstudies the mechanisms of intracellular transport at molecular,cellular, and organismal scales. Our research addresses fundamentalquestions in cell biology with direct relevance to human health anddisease. We use a wide range of approaches: protein biochemistry and invitro reconstitution, single-molecule biophysics, proteomics andgenomics, metabolomics, fungal genetics, evolutionary analysis,mammalian cell culture, and state-of-the-art live-cell imaging.Through collaborations, we use cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to pursue structural studies of the transport machinery. For more information about Dr. SamaraReck-Peterson and the lab, please visit: This role will contribute to the Reck-Peterson lab’s researchprogram on fungal biology and secondary metabolite production. Thelab discovered that peroxisomes in filamentous fungi move by“hitchhiking” on early endosomes; through a genetic screen weidentified a putative protein linker between the two organelles andfound that organelle dynamics play a role in the production ofsecondary metabolites. Current efforts are aimed at understandingthe cell biology of secondary metabolite production. This is one of two high-ranking, non-Investigator roles within thelab. Ideal candidates will be confident and comfortable in aleadership role, have a strong desire to serve as a trustedresource for other members of the lab, and contribute to the lab’sculture of doing collaborative science. What we provide: Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. A collaborative, diverse, and supportive researchenvironment. Access to cutting-edge facilities and core resources, includingcollaborative access to cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electrontomography. Flexible scheduling and mentorship tailored to your next careerstage. What you’ll do: Research (approximately 80% effort). Support thecollaborative research environment and provide guidance ontechnical and operational aspects of research. Develop, design, and implement research projects, andcoordinate specialized and novel research functions. Design and execute mass spectrometry-based metabolomicsexperiments using targeted and non-targeted approaches; isolate,analyze, and characterize natural products, including unknowncompounds. Identify methodological problems in research protocols anddevelop and implement modifications to optimize experimentalresults. Develop innovative techniques and data analysis pipelinesrequired to meet research goals, and use software applications toassemble, manipulate, format, and perform statistical analyses ofcomplex data and to mine large metabolomic datasets. Conduct literature reviews to determine the most suitableresearch methods, and routinely review research activities todetermine where new information, methods, or collaborations couldpositively impact projects. Review available technology and assist in bringing appropriatenew technology into the laboratory; may prepare specifications forequipment and supplies needed to support research. Prepare reports for presentation at scientific meetings andmanuscripts for publication; write and edit manuscripts, fellowshipapplications, and portions of grants. Lab operations and mentoring (approximately 20% effort). Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, ResearchAssociates, and other staff, and train lab members on specializedresearch methods such as fungal biology and metabolomics. Configure, operate, and maintain specialized equipment, andtrain others in its use as necessary. Serve as a senior member of the lab, acting as a resource forboth students and staff on a variety of issues, along with otherduties as assigned by the Principal Investigator. Hold sole responsibility for your own research project withshared responsibility for other research projects and/or projectteams, including projects performed in collaboration with otherlaboratories. Contribute to writing both manuscripts and grants. What you bring: PhD in the chemical, biological, biomedical, or biochemicalsciences, or an MD degree. More than five years of independent research experience afterearning a PhD (minimum of four years required). A broad range of scientific experience and a strong publicationrecord. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomicsand analysis. Secondary metabolism: methods to extract metabolites fromtissues and analyze natural products, i.e. secondary metabolites,including characterizing unknown compounds. Expertise in mass spectrometry. Experience with fungal secondary metabolites and fungal biologyis strongly preferred. Demonstrated expertise in scientific methods, tools, andtechnologies, and the ability to understand and apply new concepts,technologies, and methods to evolving research needs. Ability to critically review complex information to identifyinsights and improvements. Ability to write, prepare, and present reports, manuscripts,and findings to diverse audiences, including at scientific meetingsand conferences. Excels both as an independent thinker and as a collaborativeteam member, with the ability to work independently. A strong desire to mentor and teach trainees of alllevels. Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellentinterpersonal skills. Physical Requirements Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extendedperiods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) orarm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for exampleusing a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word;ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to moveabout workspace. The position requires mobility, including theability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as alaptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure tomalodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxicchemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essentialduties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests forreasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individualbasis. Compensation and Benefits Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. Hiring Pay Range: $83,433.79 - $104,292.24 Pay Type: Annual Pay Type description: The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Howard Hughes Medical Institute