Research Associate 2

The Research Associate 2 in the lab of Dr Donghui Zhang will work collaboratively with theoretical colleagues and the research team to assist in the design and conduct of experiments aimed at testing the FoldCat hypothesis and investigating the catalytic potential of primitive coacervates in promoting peptide or nucleic acid elongation. Contribute to research efforts that provide important insights into the dynamic mechanisms that may have contributed to the emergence of protein-like sequences and prebiotic coacervates with catalytic functions at the origin of life.

Background: Survival of the Fittest is Darwin’s principle of biological adaptation and evolutionary change, characterized by resourcefulness, self-serving resource use, and increasing fitness. This project seeks to understand the physical and chemical mechanisms underlying these dynamics and their origins in the emergence of life. The FoldCat hypothesis offers a promising mechanism by which out-of-equilibrium synthesis of short random peptides can generate longer, protein-like chains with catalytic activity. We will experimentally test whether this process can produce the double positive feedback required as a precursor to Survival of the Fittest. The project is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and entails collaboration between the theory (Ken Dill at SUNY) and experiments (Ronald Zuckermann at LBNL and Donghui Zhang at LSU).

• →70% Assist with the design, synthesis, and characterization of random peptoid or peptide copolymers containing hydrophobic (H) and polar (P) monomers and with the design and evaluation of the catalytic activity of HP polymer/prebiotic molecule-based coacervates and contribute to the design and execution of experiments to establish relationships between HP chain composition and chain length and coacervate formation and stability in the presence of prebiotic molecules.

• →25% Assist with preparation of research reports; participate in team meetings and collaborative research activities; and contribute to the dissemination of research findings through conference presentations and publications.

• →5% Work collaboratively with and under the guidance of the principal investigator and research team, providing technical and research support to advance ongoing project objectives and other duties as assigned

• PhD in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline
• Experience with polymer synthesis by controlled polymerization, polymer fractionation and characterization, biophysical analysis, and structural characterization.
• Structural characterization of polymer solution by X-ray and light scattering and microscopic imaging techniques.

Proficiency in research performance and methods, monomer and polymer synthesis, characterization, and purification, polymer fractionation and separation by recycling SEC, HPLC, and mass spectrometry, and proven ability to communicate results clearly, both orally and in writing.

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.