Dr. Zhang: Structure and function of metal-binding proteins in bacterial stress response and antibiotic resistance

Tasks and responsibilities include general lab maintenance and assisting graduate students and postdocs with cloning, expression and purification of proteins from E. coli; data curation and analysis. The student researchers will receive training in experimental documentation and data analysis. Over the long term, the project may expand to learning how to structurally characterize proteins using protein crystallography and single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

Students are expected to be self-motivated, well organized, willing to work in a fast-paced environment, attentive to detail, and possess an excellent work ethic and desire to improve every day. A curiosity about the structure and function of proteins, as well as a professional interest in biomedical research or biotechnology, is preferred. 

No prior research experience in biochemistry or molecular biology is required. 

The undergraduate researchers of this position will work closely with the postdocs and graduate students to actively contribute to cutting-edge research on the molecular basis of the project. All the necessary training will be provided initially. Once training is completed, the undergraduate researchers will be expected to work semi-independently and collaboratively with other group members.  

Many undergraduate students who worked in our lab have co-authored papers in peer-reviewed journals and have been successful in obtaining jobs or receiving offers from professional programs, such as medical school and graduate school.