Research Specialist II - Orth Lab
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Summary
The Orth Laboratory, led by HHMI Investigator Dr. Kim Orth at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, investigates the molecular mechanisms by which pathogenic bacteria manipulate host cell signaling and immune responses. The lab's research integrates microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology, and animal models to understand host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level — with the goal of gaining novel molecular insight into eukaryotic signaling systems.
Job description
Lab Overview
The Orth Laboratory, led by HHMI Investigator Dr. Kim Orth at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, investigates the molecular mechanisms by which pathogenic bacteria manipulate host cell signaling and immune responses. The lab's research integrates microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology, and animal models to understand host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level — with the goal of gaining novel molecular insight into eukaryotic signaling systems.
About the Role
We are seeking an expert structural biologist to join the Orth Lab as a Research Specialist II at UT Southwestern Medical Center. This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished scientist with a strong publication record in CryoEM and/or X-ray crystallography to own independent research projects, serve as the lab's structural biology resource, and mentor other lab members. The ideal candidate brings a full structural biology toolbox, deep expertise in membrane proteins or larger molecular structures, and a passion for advancing research at the intersection of structural biology and molecular pathogenesis.
What You'll Do
- Lead and execute independent structural biology research projects, including CryoEM and X-ray crystallography studies.
- Work with membrane proteins and larger molecular structures to advance the lab's research on host-pathogen interactions.
- Serve as the structural biology expert and resource for other lab members conducting structural work.
- Document structural molecules and maintain rigorous records of experimental data and methods.
- Prepare and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts and publications as a key contributor.
- Mentor and train other lab members in structural biology techniques and workflows.
- Collaborate with postdocs, graduate students, and other scientists within and outside the lab.
What You Bring
Required:
- A PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
- Published CryoEM and/or X-ray crystallography studies — a strong publication record is required.
- A comprehensive structural biology toolbox with hands-on expertise across multiple structural techniques.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills — ability to serve as a technical resource for the broader lab team.
- Self-directed and independent — able to own and drive research projects with minimal supervision.
Preferred:
- Experience working with membrane proteins or larger molecular structures — strongly preferred.
- Interest in and enthusiasm for mentoring junior lab members and graduate students.
- Familiarity with host-pathogen interactions or molecular pathogenesis research.
Requirements
- PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
- Published CryoEM and/or X-ray crystallography studies — a strong publication record is required.
- A comprehensive structural biology toolbox with hands-on expertise across multiple structural techniques.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills — ability to serve as a technical resource for the broader lab team.
- Self-directed and independent — able to own and drive research projects with minimal supervision.
- Experience working with membrane proteins or larger molecular structures — strongly preferred.
- Interest in and enthusiasm for mentoring junior lab members and graduate students.
- Familiarity with host-pathogen interactions or molecular pathogenesis research.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Wellness programs
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Recognition programs
Company overview
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is a premier American non-profit biomedical research organization and philanthropy founded in 1953 by business magnate Howard Hughes. Headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland with additional facilities at the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, HHMI is one of the largest private funding organizations for biological and medical research in the United States. With an endowment of approximately $24 billion, it ranks as the second-wealthiest philanthropic organization in the country. HHMI supports over 300 investigators at more than 60 host institutions across the nation, investing about $825 million annually in biomedical research. The institute focuses on fundamental biological research across diverse fields including genetics, immunology, molecular biology, neuroscience, and structural biology. Beyond research funding, HHMI also supports innovative science education programs, curriculum development, and public engagement initiatives to inspire the next generation of scientists. The organization operates with approximately 2,300 employees and maintains a commitment to open science, requiring immediate open access to publications from its funded research since 2022.