Postdoctoral Research Associate - Skellam Lab

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Skellam Lab

Employee Classification: Postdoctoral Research Assoc

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Biological Sciences-121100

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at

Department Summary

The Department of Chemistry and the BioDiscovery Institute at the University of North Texas are equipped with modern facilities – including a planned upgrade of existing NMR facilities - for all aspects of the proposed research. We have a strong community of research groups in chemistry, and biochemistry, for a stimulating intellectual environment.

UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The Skellam lab at the University of North Texas is seeking a highly motivated and determined Postdoctoral Research Associate with experience in the isolation and structural elucidation of natural products from complex crude extracts. This position will investigate the biosynthetic repertoire of filamentous fungi demonstrating potential as biocontrol agents by systematically developing culture conditions, extraction procedures, LCMS-based isolation methods, and molecular structure elucidation using spectroscopic techniques.

This project provides opportunities to learn additional techniques such as genome mining, biosynthetic pathway elucidation, and synthetic biology approaches for accessing silent natural products. Additional responsibilities include the day-to-day management of the project, manuscript and proposal writing, presenting original research internally and externally at meetings and conferences, and mentoring students at the undergraduate and graduate level.

The successful candidate will join a team consisting of postdocs, research assistants, graduate and undergraduate students, in a highly collaborative environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• The candidate should have completed their PhD in Chemistry (i.e. coursework and defense) by the time they resume the position
• Significant experience with small molecule isolation from complex crude extracts using LCMS including method development
• Substantial structural elucidation experience using advanced HRMS and 1D /2D NMR techniques.
• Ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and interest in the biotechnological production of natural products.
• Experience with MS2 fragmentation analysis
• Knowledge of fungal natural product biosynthesis
• Good interpersonal skills and a team-working attitude
• Interest in training and mentoring students

Required License/Registration/Certifications

 

Job Duties

• Plan and conduct experiments in consultation with Dr. Skellam. 
• Prepare presentations or presentation materials of results in support of projects. 
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and scientific reports based on experimental results. 
• Make scientific observations, keep records of data and interpretations.
• Conduct experiments in accordance with all regulatory and safety policies. 
• Work effectively with others when appropriate. 

Physical Requirements

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
Moving self in various positions to perform tasks
Pushing, pulling, or reaching
Lifting and moving objects up to 20 pounds
Operating machinery and/or power tools
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
Seizing, holding, grasping, or turning objects
Communicating with others to exchange information
The ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds
Clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less

Environmental Hazards

Exposure to fumes and airborne particles
Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration
Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood
Work with toxic or caustic chemical

Work Schedule

Varies based upon assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Please provide a cover letter, CV, the contact information for three references, and a brief summary (maximum 2 pages) of your research experience / accomplishments and future goals.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.