Piero Bianco pioneered the field of visual biochemistry/biophysics where he was the first to study DNA helicases at the single molecule level using optical tweezers, microfluidics, and fluorescence microscopy (Nature 2001 Vol. 409 Issue 6818 Pages 374-8). Now, an NIH-funded position is available to study the SSB interactome in E. coli. The candidate will use magnetic tweezers to look at the mechanics of SSB-partner interactions during DNA repair and, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy combined with microfluidics to study interactions during DNA replication. Experience with single-molecule techniques and, with DNA binding proteins is a plus. The candidate will become familiar with the proteins of the interactome and will learn how to purify and characterize proteins in the bulk phase in addition to performing single-molecule studies. In addition, super-resolution imaging of SSB-partner dynamics in live E. coli cells may also be pursued.

The candidate must have at least one first-author publication from their Ph.D. thesis research. The research will be performed in the recently renovated, Bianco laboratory at the heart of the University of Nebraska Medical Center https://www.unmc.edu/. UNMC is located in Omaha, NE a safe, vibrant, and family-friendly city https://www.cityofomaha.org/ with a lot going on, so in addition to a wonderful research environment candidates can enjoy life off-campus too https://www.visitomaha.com/.