Post Doctoral Res Assoc - BioPhysics

Title: Post Doctoral Res Assoc - BioPhysics

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Public Health & Health Sciences

Department: Kinesiology

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Debold Muscle Biophysics Lab is seeking talented applicants for a full-time, Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Kinesiology Department as part of a five-year grant from the NIH to study the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle contraction, intracellular transport, and the formation of complex cellular structures. The goal of this work is to understand how the load-dependent proteins of the molecular motor myosin enable it to perform complex cellular processes when working as a team of motors.

We are searching for a highly motivated single molecular biophysicist familiar with the laser trap and in vitro motility assays. These skills will be used to characterize the single molecule and mini-ensemble properties of three different classes of myosin: muscle myosin II, myosin III and myosin V. The goal of this project is to understand how the single molecule properties of these myosins give rise to the complex behavior they demonstrate in multi-motor teams.

Essential Functions

Specific activities will include protein purification and preparation, fluorescence microscopy and data collection and analysis of data from the single molecule laser trap and in vitro motility assay.

Preparation and presentation of figures for presentation at national and international meetings, as well as for publication.

Writing manuscripts for publication in high impact journals.

Preference will be given to those with the ability to express and purify myosin proteins.

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD in Kinesiology or a related STEM field, including Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Biochemistry.

Demonstrated ability to present and publish research in biophysics or a related field.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, students and collaborators.

Organizational skills to effectively manage and maintain large data sets.

High level of independence and reliability.

Demonstrated ability to publish in high-quality journals in kinesiology and/or neuroscience or related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with a single molecule laser trap assay.

The ability to manage large and complex data sets using MatLab, R or related programs.

The ability to isolate and/or express proteins and prepare them for use in functional assays.

Knowledge of fluorescence microscopy techniques including epi, TIRF and STORM.

Proficiency with LabView software.

Ability to rapidly learn new software platforms.

Additional Details

This position will require the successful candidate to work full-time (40 hours per week).

The work may require week and weekend hours to facilitate human subject recruitment and testing.

This is an in-person only position.

This is a 12-month appointment with reappointment contingent on funding and sufficient productivity (e.g. 2-3 first author publications per year).

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

40 hours per week, week and weekend days may be needed.

Salary Information

UMass Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range of 0-2 years experience from $62,838-66,268; 3-4 years of experience from $66,287-71,032 and 5+ years from $71,033-99,990 for this position.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with your application, please submit a cover letter describing your research experience, current research interests, and long-term professional goals; a current curriculum vitae; a recent publication in PDF format; and contact information for three professional references. For priority consideration, applications should be submitted by March 1, 2026.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.