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Account/Position No.:  225506/61610/599410                        Level 8

Position Title:  Postdoctoral Research Associate

Department:  Biological Sciences

Expectations for All Employees

East Tennessee State University pursues its mission based upon core values.  An employee's job performance must support and exhibit the university's core values:

PEOPLE come first, are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential;

RELATIONSHIPS are built on honesty, integrity and trust;

DIVERSITY of people and thought is respected;

EXCELLENCE is achieved through teamwork, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic;

EFFICIENCY is achieved through wise use of human and financial resources; and

COMMITMENT to intellectual achievement is embraced.

Function of Position

Studies the heterologous expression and function of putative flavonoid glucosyltransferase clones from Citrus paradise.  Responsibilities include 1) testing the hypotheses that the grapefruit leaf putative GT clones are secondary product GTs, specifically flavonoid GTs, and that they have properties that may make them subject to regulation at the biochemical level; 2) initiating studies designed to test hypotheses related to GT structure/ function by determining whether or not particular structural feature(s) of these proteins are responsible for their unique properties.  Interacts and coordinates with undergraduate and M.S. research students, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, and presents at scientific conferences.  Experiences in heterologous expression of plant enzymes, enzyme purification, and kinetic characterization is strongly preferred.

Essential Functions

-        Tests the hypotheses that the grapefruit leaf putative GT clones are secondary product GTs, specifically flavonoid GTs, and that they have properties that may make them subject to regulation at the biochemical level.

-        Initiates studies designed to test hypotheses related to GT structure/function by determining whether or not particular structural feature(s) of these proteins are responsible for their unique properties.

-        Interacts and coordinates with undergraduate and M.S. research students, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, and presents at scientific conferences required

Secondary Functions

-                Facilitates ordering of supplies for research.

-                Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

-        Knowledge and skills in research in plant biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field.

-        Effective written and verbal communication skills required.

Supervision Given and Received

Performs under general supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

Previous research experience in heterologous expression of plant enzymes, enzyme purification, and kinetic characterization is strongly preferred.  Ph.D. (within last 5 years) in plant biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field required. 

September 2006