Postdoctoral Scholar, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The Rückert Lab in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology department at University of Nevada Reno invites applicants for a postdoctoral position investigating virus-mosquito interactions at the molecular and cellular level. We seek candidates with a strong background in molecular biology and biochemistry for a project focusing on RNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. The project will include extensive molecular cloning protein expression co-IP mass spectrometry NGS and data analysis in the context of virus infection of mosquito cells and mosquitoes. Virology experience is desired but any candidates with strong foundations in molecular and biochemical assays will be considered.

Our lab focuses on virus-vector interactions including mosquito immunology and molecular tool development (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9). We study innate immune signaling antiviral RNA interference and specific antiviral genes/proteins with unknown functions. Our lab is a small lab with strong emphasis on individual development learning/mentoring and pursuit of individual professional goals. The future fellow will have opportunities to expand their skill set participate in professional development opportunities and receive feedback and support for their individual career aspirations. We usually have a mix of undergraduate and graduate students in the lab who often pursue their own projects but will benefit from guidance by the fellow (in the lab data analysis scientific writing and presentations).

The earliest start date for this position is October 1 2025 with preference given to strong qualified candidates who can start on or soon after this date. This position is currently limited to June 30 2027 with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Molecular cloning (mutagenesis) of gene(s) of interest

• Generation of knockout cells using CRISPR/Cas9 and established protocols

• Perform protein co-IPs Western blots and mass spectrometry (with Core facilities)

• Perform virus infections of cells and later mosquitoes extraction of viral and cellular RNA quantitative real-time PCR and virus titration by plaque assays.

• Perform or assist with next-generation sequencing and data analysis

• Analyze experimental data using appropriate graphical statistical and bioinformatic methods.

• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.

• Participate in lab meetings mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive lab culture.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry Molecular Biology Virology or related fields

• Demonstrated ability to conduct research as evidence by publication record.

• Research experience using molecular biology and biochemistry techniques

• Demonstrated excellent analytical writing and communication skills.

• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.

• The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Scientific Background in arbovirology

• Experience with Mass spectrometry and studying protein-protein interactions

• Experience using nextgeneration sequencing and bioinformatics.

• Experience working in BSL2 containment including handling viruses and/or mosquitoes infected with arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses.

• Evidence in writing scientific papers and successful grant applications.

• Experience mentoring trainees such as undergraduate students

Compensation Grade
Postdoctoral Scholar

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty members first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving evidence of a valid drivers license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

The University of Nevada Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a persons age (40 or older) disability whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities) gender (including pregnancy related conditions) military status or military obligations sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information national origin race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles afros bantu knots curls braids locks and twists) color or religion (protected classes).

About Us

The University of Nevada Reno is a leading public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevadas original land-grant university the University serves more than 23000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries.

Classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (Very High Research) university it is also recognized in the Carnegie Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the Best National Universities and Best National Public Universities. It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.

Since 2009 nearly $1 billion has been has invested in advanced labs facilities and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevadas first medical school the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe where education research and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada Reno Extension Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Nevada Small Business Development Center the Nevada Seismological Laboratory and Wolf Pack Athletics.

The main campus is in Reno Nevada a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe the beautiful 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The Universitys physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus known as University Village to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty.

Collaborating with world-renowned organizations the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple which ensures equitable access to technology for students providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Googles TechWise initiate is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation.

In 2023 the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada led by the University of Nevada Reno was named one of the inaugural 31 RegionalTechnology and InnovationHubs (TechHubs).Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its Tech Hub will strengthen Americas lithium batteries critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state.

Through its commitment to high-impact education world-improving research and creative activity and outreach thats transforming Nevadas communities and businesses the University continues its 150-year tradition of benefitting our state nation and world.

The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students faculty and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

Today the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics facilities support engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students cognitive growth and academic achievement all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.