Position Overview
This position is available at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Research projects will be held in the laboratory of Professor Michael Wolfe. Successful candidates will conduct research on protease biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology, specifically the study of the intramembrane protease gamma-secretase. Mutations in this membrane protease complex cause hereditary early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The position will involve elucidation of other factors that affect enzyme activity, effects of disease-causing mutations on cellular functions, and ability of small-molecule modulators to restore enzyme activity and downstream cellular functions.
Job Description
60% - Designing and execution of experiments
- These duties include carrying out original research relative to the mission of the Wolfe laboratory. The lab is focused on the mechanism and pharmacological modulation of the intramembrane protease gamma-secretase and understanding the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The successful applicant will design and execute experiments that pertain to current research topics in the laboratory. Laboratory techniques will include cloning and mutagenesis, protein expression/purification/characterization, enzyme and cell-based assays, mass spectrometry, and testing small-molecule modulators.
20% - Prepare lab reports and presentations and write manuscripts
- These duties include preparing presentations for internal and external meetings and writing technical internal reports, standard protocols developed in the lab and scientific papers for peer reviewed journals.
10% - Assist other lab members with experiments
- Trains other staff in the use of specialized equipment as well as coordinates the maintenance of laboratory equipment.
10% - Routine lab management
- These duties include but are not limited to ensuring systems are in place for efficient planning of lab supplies, management of laboratory records and documents as well as experimental protocols and data, and coordination of good lab practices and lab safety.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in the area of protein biochemistry, cell & molecular biology or closely related fields
- Experience and design of relevant experiments using protein expression, purification and assays, as demonstrated AND/OR using cell & molecular biology, as demonstrated by a minimum of 2 publications.
- Knowledgeable on the use of mass spectrometry for protein and peptide analysis as evidenced by application materials.
- Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated in application materials and publications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in membrane protein biochemistry.
- Experience with proteomics and transcriptomics.
- Knowledge of molecular and cellular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases as evidenced by application materials.
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully as part of a collaborative research effort as evidenced by previous work history.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete application includes: an online application, cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. The cover letter and resume should clearly indicate you meet the required qualifications and to what degree you meet preferred qualifications.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Review of applications will begin Monday, April 6th and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Dr. Michael Wolfe - mswolfe@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$62,652.00
Application Review Begins
Monday April 6, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday June 1, 2026
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University of Kansas
Mar 25, 2026