Post Doctoral Research Fellow The George Mason University, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, within the College of Science (COS), invites applications from outstanding candidates for a Post Doctoral Research Fellow beginning March 31, 2022. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment. Responsibilities: The Solomon Lab at George Mason University is looking for a qualified protein-biochemist who is interested in developing a next-generation blood substitute. Despite an urgent need and years of study, no suitable blood substitutes can be routinely used. Relying on donations is also troublesome as the blood can be contaminated with undiagnosed illnesses and is difficult to store. We are developing a blood substitute made from a novel biomaterial called peptide amphiphiles, which binds heme B, the same cofactor found in hemoglobin. For this stage of the work, we are looking for a protein biochemist who has experience with peptide/protein design and oxygen binding. You will be responsible for tuning the electrochemical properties of our material to improve the oxygen binding affinity, and the environmental responses of these materials to be more aligned with physiological conditions. This work will serve as pilot studies for developing a next generation blood substitute that will help all people suffering from hemorrhage inducing injuries. The duties will primarily include in-lab bench research. However, the incumbent will also be asked to provide mentorship to the younger graduate and undergraduate students in the group and help with basic inventory of chemicals when appropriate.This is an exciting opportunity to join a young lab group and help shape the research direction in the future as well as take advantage of George Mason University's location and amenities. The school is located a short distance from Washington DC and close to many other schools to foster collaborations and expand your network. Applicants must have their Ph.D. on March 1, 2022 and will be asked to provide a CV highlighting their applicable research experience.Required Qualifications:Ph.D. in Biochemistry or related field;Protein/Biomaterial Characterization; Electrochemical Technique;Circular Dichroism;UV Vis Spectroscopy; Protein/Peptide Synthesis; Protein/Peptide Purification; Anaerobic/Hypoxia Technique; and Fast Reaction Kinetics and Analysis. Preferred Qualifications: Experience With Oxygen Binding Studies a plus; Synthetic Chemistry experience; Peptide Synthesizer experience; and Stopped Flow Technique. About the Department:The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers undergraduate programs leading to the BA or BS (ACS certification) degrees in Chemistry, with optional concentrations in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Environmental Chemistry; a five-year BS/Accelerated MS degree; a traditional MS degree and a PhD in Chemistry. The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry has research labs and faculty distributed over three campuses addressing two primary research thrust areas: Fairfax campus (sustainability - physical, solid state inorganic, organic, and analytical chemistry), the Science and Technology campus in Manassas (biomedical - biochemistry, synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry), and the Potomac Environmental Research & Education Center (sustainability - environmental chemistry). The research funding portfolio includes the Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), other government and non-profit agencies, and private industry. Faculty in the department have close collaborations with researchers from a number of local and regional institutions, including the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), NIH, Food and Drug Administration, Naval Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Inova Health System among others. For more information about the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, visit us on the web at https://cos.gmu.edu/chemistry. For more information about the College of Science, visit https://cos.gmu.edu.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, CV, list of three professional references with contact information, and a copy of your transcript from the educational institution where you earned your highest degree.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education. Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create. If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/! George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."