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Assistant Professor - Structural Biology

Department of Biochemistry University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) invites applications for a tenure-track nine-month (academic year) faculty position at the rank of assistant professor. This appointment is apportioned as 80% research and 20% teaching.  Applicants are sought who will develop a vigorous, internationally recognized research program in structural biology. Areas of particular interest include but are not limited to multiscale imaging, time-resolved structural biology, or integrated spectroscopic, computational, and structural approaches.

Researchers at UNL collaborate with national user facilities pioneering time-resolved X-ray diffraction techniques and have established a state-of-the-art cryo-EM facility housing a Thermo Scientific Glacios 200 keV Cryo TEM equipped with a Falcon 4i direct electron detector camera, a Selectris zero-loss energy filter, and capability for micro-electron diffraction of crystalline samples. The new cryo-EM facility is part of a strategic growth plan at UNL and complements existing strengths in X-ray crystallography, biophysics, and computation at UNL.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, or an allied field; two or more years of postdoctoral experience; and a strong record of original research as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in grant writing; teaching in biochemistry or related fields; mentoring students; excellent communication skills; expertise in cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, or integrated biophysical approaches using either computational or structural biology; and a demonstrated potential for collaborative research. The successful candidate will establish an externally supported, internationally recognized research program in structural biology using state-of-the-art technologies. The incumbent will also provide expertise to the educational mission of the Department of Biochemistry and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources by contributing to the teaching of undergraduate and graduate courses in biochemistry.

The university offers a highly collaborative environment to develop biomedically-focused research programs with affiliated resources provided by the University Research Centers (Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, Redox Biology Center, Center for Plant Science Innovation, Center for Virology, and Center for the Prevention of Obesity and Disease), Holland Computing Center, the Quantitative Life Sciences Initiative, the NIH-funded Molecular Mechanisms of Disease graduate training program, Nebraska Innovation Campus, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The University Research Centers support cutting-edge biophysical, biochemical, and structural biology approaches, including regular access to the new cryo-EM facility in the Nebraska Center for Biotechnology. Research facilities also support multiple-omics, bioinformatics, supercomputing, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, TEM, SEM, and metabolic engineering. A competitive start-up package and appropriate laboratory and office space will be offered.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Biochemistry are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

Review of applications will begin October 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and the application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_240125. Click “Apply for this Job” and then “Faculty Application.” Complete the application and attach 1) a letter of interest, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) contact information for three professional references, and 4) a succinct statement of your research program, a statement of philosophy and approach to teaching, and a statement (2 page maximum) describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments in which every person and every interaction matters (See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement). Please combine the statements into a single document for upload.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.