Research Scientist

Research Scientist Purpose

The principal activities of a research scientist will be to conduct independent research projects that align with the Torii Lab’s research theme and to disseminate research findings in publications and at scientific meetings. The research scientist is expected to perform cutting‑edge research with state‑of‑the‑art technologies and advance our understanding how master‑regulatory transcription factors modify epigenomic (chromatin) environment to achieve specific gene expression program leading to stem cell maintenance and differentiation in plants.

The candidate is expected to devise a hypothesis‑driven research plan that lays out the materials and methods, experimental designs, and possible outcomes prior to actual experimentation. Additionally, the candidate will actively participate in the preparation of upcoming research grant proposals. All lab members are expected to have the highest ethical standards and value a collaborative environment where researchers from different backgrounds synergistically bring scientific breakthroughs.

• Perform independent research projects as a leader of a small team of research technologists/engineers to link structural and biophysical results to biological function, with emphasis on Arabidopsis development and transcription factor–chromatin interactions.
• Quantify binding strength, kinetics, and thermodynamics using ITC and/or BLI, and use these measurements to test specific mechanistic questions.
• Perform solution NMR and cryo‑EM work to map interaction surfaces and conformational changes, including sample preparation, data collection planning, and data analysis.
• Express and purify proteins and protein complexes for biophysical and structural studies; design constructs, generate mutants, and optimize protocols for challenging targets.
• Assemble and confirm multi‑component complexes (protein–protein and protein–DNA/nucleosome as needed), verifying stoichiometry, stability, and sample quality.
• Work with UT core facilities and collaborators on instrument access and experimental workflows, and manage sample submission and data transfer efficiently.
• Train and supervise students, postdocs, and staff in protein biochemistry and NMR/biophysics workflows, maintaining strong lab practices and thorough documentation.
• Properly document lab notebooks, organize materials (e.g. plasmids, recombinant proteins) and data (e.g. PDB files) for the assigned research projects and for the general Torii Lab inventories, strictly adhering to the lab guidelines.
• Maintain, manage, and operate critical pieces of equipment as well as perform lab chores as necessary, and be in charge of a specific piece of equipment that the scientist is expert at.
• Actively participate and present at the weekly lab meetings, departmental seminars, BioTACOS, and other scientific conferences/workshops.
• Write technical reports, review articles, fellowship applications, lead or grant writing (provide preliminary data for grants) and scientific manuscripts as required.

• PhD in biophysics, structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a closely related field.
• Substantial previous record of productivity (e.g., publication, grant acquisition).
• Established record as a mature, independent research scientist/engineer.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

$85,000 + depending on qualifications

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
• Might work around chemical fumes, standard office conditions, biohazards, and chemicals.

• Resume/CV
• At least three letters of reference, with at least two from referees outside the University of Texas at Austin.
• Letter of interest

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

The University of Texas at Austin uses E‑Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires. Refer to the posted E‑Verify and Right‑to‑Work posters for additional information.