Scientist/Health Sciences

The Mandell Lab at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center is seeking a highly motivated and well-trained individual to join our research team as a Scientist. Our laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of autophagy, with a particular focus on the roles of TRIM family ubiquitin ligases. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in cellular homeostasis and organelle quality control.

Research Focus:
Our laboratory studies how TRIM (tripartite motif-containing) proteins, a family of ubiquitin ligases, regulate autophagy and impact cellular stress responses. Using a combination of advanced imaging, molecular biology, and functional assays, we aim to uncover novel regulatory pathways that connect ubiquitination to the autophagic machinery.

Key Responsibilities:
Design and conduct high-quality, reproducible experiments focused on TRIM protein function in autophagy.
Utilize high-content microscopy, specifically with the CellInsight CX7 platform, to analyze cellular phenotypes.
Perform and troubleshoot a wide range of standard cell and molecular biology techniques.
Maintain detailed and organized experimental records using NIH-compliant digital lab notebooks.
Manage and organize laboratory supplies and experimental collections.
Train and mentor new laboratory members in technical protocols and lab operations.
Contribute to manuscript preparation and grant writing in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI).

See the Position Description for additional information.

• For individual positions in which driving is a job requirement, a valid NM driver's license and valid UNM driver's permit will be required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Doctorate degree; at least 1 year of post-doctorate experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Ph.D. in Cell
Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field with 4+
years postdoctoral training.
Extensive
experience in standard molecular and cell biology techniques including
investigations into protein-protein interactions.
Excellent
communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
A strong
publication record and a commitment to rigorous, reproducible science.

Highly competitive candidates will
have one or more of the following preferred qualifications:

Strong
background in autophagy research, including familiarity with key pathways
and assays.
Prior
experience studying ubiquitin ligase biology.
Familiarity
with automated image analysis workflows and data management.
Experience
working with viruses (especially HIV) under BSL-2 or higher conditions.
Prior
experience working with host restriction factors against viral infection.
Prior
experience with culture of iPSC-derived neurons.

Only applications submitted through
the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job
advertisement on a 3rd party site, please
visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.