Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology I
Dept of Biochem & Mol Biol And Dept of Chem
Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology II
For more information about the Postdoctoral position in Dr. Rando’s lab please use the link provided. Post doc position
Rotation projects are available to study chromatin structure and function. Project 1. Measure histone dynamics in yeast. Histone dynamics play major roles in chromatin metabolism and in the inheritance of chromatin states. To measure histone replacement rates in yeast, we have created yeast strains carrying inducible epitope-tagged histones H3 and H2A. Using microarrays, we will measure histone replacement rates in a variety of mutant yeast to ascertain the role of various chromatin remodeling factors in histone exchange reactions. Project 2. Characterize mechanisms for epigenetic inheritance in yeast. We have identified a variety of genes whose expression state in yeast is epigenetically heritable. We will screen the yeast genome for genes that affect the inheritance of these expression patterns. Project 3. Measure histone dynamics in embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells that can give rise to every type of cell in the adult animal. The role of chromatin structure in maintaining this pluripotent state is poorly understood, but it appears that stem cell chromatin is exceptionally labile relative to that in differentiated cells. We will create stem cell lines with inducible tagged histones to measure histone replacement rates across the mouse genome.
Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair II
Focus: Mucosal inflammation, host: pathogen interactions, and cancer biology
Timothy S. and Elaine L. Peterson Chair in Rheumatology
Rotation projects We apply X-ray crystallography and biochemical methods to understand the mechanisms employed by the ribosome. Potential rotation projects are 1) to understand various aspects of translation via mutagenesis/biochemical assays, 2) to crystallize and work on determining the structures of translation factors and functional ribosome complexes, and 3) to improve computational methods used to determine crystal structures of macromolecules. Feel free to contact the lab for a more detailed discussion.
Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III
Please email Kate.Fitzgerald@umassmed.edu if you are interested in rotations.
Rotation Projects Study the interaction of the ssDNA annealing protein Bet and its cognate exonuclease with dsDNA ends. Compare wild type Bet with one or mutant Bet proteins. Use both genetic and biochemical studies to answer the question of how this annealase binds to ssDNA and promotes recombination. Develop recombineering technologies for M. tuberculosis involving the electroporation of oligos containing clinically relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Generate a recombineering system for Pseudomonas aeruginosa via the electroporation of PCR substrates into electrocompetent cells containing PA phage Red-like recombination systems.
Focus: DNA Mismatch repair mechanisms in M. smegmatis; recombineering technology for gene replacement in bacterial pathogens, M. tuberculosis drug discovery.
Susan Woskie M.S. Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, Ph.D. B
Rotation projects are available related to microbiota-gut brain axis and antibiotic usage and the sequelae of antibiotic use in hospitalized patients which include Clostridium difficile and multi-drug resistant organism infection and colonization.
Background for Student Rotation Projects <p >See Politz, Hogan and Pederson (2009) and Politz et al. (2005) in the above list. The novel microRNA work may be the most suitable for student rotations. Potential Rotation Projects <p >Are the nucleolar microRNAs pri-, pre- or mature? <p >Are they complexed with other nucleolar RNAs? <p >Do the cell cycle related proteins in the nucleolus exist as heterotypic complexes? <p >Does the nucleolus of human embryonic stem cells also share these features (which we have so far looked for, and found, only in transformed human cell lines)? <p >Can vanadium tagging be used to detect specific proteins by electron microscopy, perhaps exceeding the limitations of immuno-EM?
Arthur F. and Helen P. Koskinas Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
Positions for postdoctoral fellows are available in the laboratory of Dr. Gang Han at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of The University of Massachusetts- Medical School. Research will focus on developing novel small molecule/ nanoparticle approaches for translational biomedical sciences and molecular imaging. Qualifications: Candidates have a Ph.D degree in (1)Organic Chemistry/polymer synthesis , (2) Molecular cell biology , (3) Biophysics or (4) Biochemistry. A solid training and substantial organic synthesis, animal experiments, spectroscopy and microscopy are desired. Candidates need to have strong work ethic, creativity, and enthusiasm with proven ability to work independently and collaboratively. To apply: Applicants should submit their CV including a full publication list and sources of three reference letters by email to gang.han@umassmed.edu
Rotation projects <p >(1) Specific cell membrane component labeling using bioconjugated nanoparticles <p >(2) To develop tools for targeted and traceable siRNA delivery <p >(3) To synthesize functional nanomaterials for detecting biomarkers in biological fluids
Rotation Projects <p >We have identified a number of bacterial pathways that are required for bacterial viability or virulence. We are particularly interested in: Phosphosignaling systems that regulate cell wall synthesis Metabolic regulatory mechanisms that trigger the “dormancy” response observed during infection. <p >A variety of genetic, biochemical, and informatic methods will be used to define the functions of these genes and the role played by each during infection. <p >
Postdoctoral positions are available in the Miller laboratory to investigate and extend the scope of bioluminescence imaging. Lab projects range from molecular-level studies of the mechanism of luciferases, to non-invasive imaging of specific biological processes and disease states in live animals. Motivated and inherently curious critical thinkers with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, or both are encouraged to apply.
Rotation Projects Work in our lab uses optical imaging to study live cells and organisms. This multi-disciplinary approach brings together the areas of synthetic organic chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology, with translation into mouse models of disease. 1) Broadening the scope of bioluminescence: Bioluminescence results from the chemical generation of light that occurs when a luciferase enzyme oxidizes its small molecule luciferin substrate. We have synthesized a wide variety of novel luciferin substrates designed to improve the ability to detect bioluminescence signals. In parallel, we have mutated luciferases to best accommodate these substrates, and have also found that a homologous protein in the fruit fly can act as a luciferase. Projects in the lab range from basic molecular-level biochemical, chemical, and evolutionary studies of luciferases and luciferins, to powerful applications such as imaging of enzyme activity and drug action in the brains of live mice. 2) Fluorescent probes beyond the visible range: Fluorescent sensors of enzymatic activity, metal ions, and small molecules allow the optical detection of biologically-important molecules. However, most of these sensors are based on visible-wavelength fluorophores that suffer from photoxicity and high background. These probes thus have limited utility in live cells, and are generally unusable in live organisms such as mice. We are designing and constructing sensors that fluoresce in the near-IR, beyond the visible range, which is most suitable for non-invasive optical imaging of the physiological state of live cells and organisms.
A postdoc opening is available to participate in the development of functional biomaterials for skeletal tissue regeneration focusing on immune regulation and inflammation resolution. The fellow is expected to work both independently and collaboratively, and contribute to a productive and cordial team environment. Salary follows NIH postdoctoral fellowship compensation guideline. Requirements: • Recent PhD in Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, Biology, or Polymer Science • Expertise in examining cell-material interactions (e.g. immune cell regulations, stem cell lineage commitment) OR synthesis and characterization of functional biomaterials expected • Experience with animal studies desired but not required • Self-motivated and organized, good written and oral communication skills. To apply for this position: Send your CV and the contact information for three references to Jie.Song@umassmed.edu
Potential Rotation Projects Degradable viscoelastic synthetic hydrogels for therapeutic cell delivery Prophylactic implant coatings against periprosthetic infections Shape memory polymer-based composite bone grafts
We are looking for rotation students to visit our lab and participate in one of our ongoing research projects. Different aspects of the projects require different toolsets ranging from experimental biology to quantitative biology and mathematical modeling. Rotation students will have a chance to acquire new skill-sets and develop expertise required for implementing a quantitative approach for understanding cell regulation, signaling and evolution. Interested students should email Amir directly and briefly describe their academic background, future plans and interest in the lab. Current rotation projects: Investigating bacterial response to host-targeted drugs: As part of our research into the tumor-microbiome (tumor assosiated bacteria), we are testing how bacterial growth is inhibited by cytotoxic drugs that target cancer cells. Rotation students will run genetic screens in bacteria to identify bacterial toxicity and resistance mechanisms. In addition the students will test if bacteria can rapidly become drug resistance by evolutionary adaptation. Monitoring recovery dynamcis of melanoma cells in response to targeted therapy: The project involves examining and quantifying different aspects of cell behavior, population dynamics and adaptive resistance to targeted therapy. Rotation students will examine cellular behavior of established cell-lines and will clone and engineer new live-cell reporters for microscopy based assays.
Focus: Host-microbiome interaction, computational biology, synthetic biology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
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Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences at UMass Chan - Baystate
Joseph D. Early Chair in Biomedical Research