Post-Doctoral Associate

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Mar 28, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Post-Doctoral Associate
Department	SEBS-Plant Biology
Salary	Commensurate With Experience
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Posting Summary	A postdoctoral associate position is available in the Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers University in the laboratory of Dr. Nilgun Tumer to identify small molecule inhibitors against ricin toxin and Shiga toxin 2. Using fragment-based ligand discovery ( FBLD) with surface plasmon resonance ( SPR) we identified the first group of small molecules that bind at the ribosomal P-stalk binding site of ricin and Shiga toxin 2 and inhibit the catalytic activity of each toxin (Rudolph et al., 2024 ACS Infect Dis. 10:2814; Li et al., 2020, ACS Infect. Dis. 6:1894-1905). We improved these compounds using structure-based design and obtained improved compounds, which inhibit the activity and cytotoxicity of ricin holotoxin in mammalian cells (McLaughlin et al., 2025, J. Biol. Chem. in press; C; Rudolph et al., 2024 Bioorg Med Chem. 100:117614; Li, et. al, 2021 , J. Med. Chem. 64:15334-15348). The successful candidate will work on identifying inhibitors that inhibit the activity of ricin and Shiga toxin 2 by disrupting toxin-ribosome interactions. The postdoc will use fluorescence polarization-based competition assays to determine the affinity of the compounds and qRT- PCR based activity assays to examine the inhibitory activity of small molecules against ricin and Shiga toxin 2 in cell-based assays. The postdoc should have experience with protein purification, fluorescence assays, and mammalian cell culture. Experience working with small molecule and peptide inhibitors is desirable. The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics or a related field. The position is funded by an NIH grant.
Position Status	Full Time
Posting Number	25FA0253
Posting Open Date	03/14/2025
Posting Close Date

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics or a related field. Experience with protein purification, fluorescence assays, and mammalian cell culture. Experience working with small molecule and peptide inhibitors is desirable.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Overview
Statement

Posting Details

Special Instructions to Applicants	Interested applicants must apply online through ROCS system of Rutgers University at https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/246994 and upload CV, cover letter/research interests, PhD certification, and contact information for at least 4 references. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
Quick Link to Posting	https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/246994
Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details	59 Dudley Road - Foran Hall, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

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Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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