Postdoctoral Research in the Hartman Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University
Hartman Lab Research summary. Research in the Hartman lab focuses on cancer drug delivery and discovery. On the drug delivery side, we have developed a suite of photoremovable protecting groups that can be used to release cytotoxic cargos with light ranging from wavelengths in the UV to near-IR regions. Our drug discovery efforts focus on developing inhibitors of challenging targets in cancer that are currently assumed to be “undruggable.” Our approach involves development of extremely diverse peptide libraries and using these libraries to identify high-affinity peptide-hits with drug-like features. To create the libraries, we use a highly customizable in vitro translation system based on mRNA display. A portion of the lab focuses on growing the mRNA technology so that hits are more drug-like, and part of the lab focuses on using mRNA display to find inhibitors of undruggable protein-protein interactions. Finally, we are also interested in using mRNA display to uncover fundamental trends connecting library properties to binding affinity. These projects are funded by the NSF, NIH, and the Gilbert Family Foundation.
Group culture and environment. The Hartman lab is a highly collaborative place, where students and postdocs typically have their own projects, but rely extensively on the expertise of their colleagues to complete the interdisciplinary work. We use a wide variety of techniques spanning chemistry (standard small molecule organic synthesis, and microwave solid-phase peptide synthesis), biophysical assays (ESI and MALDI mass spectrometry, FACS, FRET, ITC, fluorescence polarization), and cellular and molecular biology (protein expression, in vitro transcription, tissue culture, FACS, confocal microscopy, mRNA display).
Immediate postdoctoral opening (posted 3/1/23).
A postdoctoral position in Chemical Biology is available for a skilled and enthusiastic chemist to work in the Cropp and Hartman research laboratories in the VCU Department of Chemistry and the NCI Designated Massey Cancer Center. The principal research topic will be genetic code expansion technologies, and their use in mRNA display of extremely diverse peptide libraries.
Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology or Biochemistry or a related discipline and prior experience with chemical/peptide synthesis and either protein engineering or RNA biochemistry. Specific techniques desired include protein expression/purification, construct design, library design for directed evolution, and peptide labeling chemistry, in vitro transcription,
and in vitro translation. Ideal candidates will have additional experience with specialized methodologies, such as using genetically encoded unnatural amino acids to probe or control protein function and in vitro selection technologies.
The successful candidate will be expected to independently design, execute, and analyze experiments, to contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, and to promote a collegial and rigorous laboratory environment. Periodic technical progress reports will be required, and opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students will be available. The initial appointment is for one year with a review after 6 months; renewal beyond 1 year is contingent on milestones achieved and funding availability.
To apply, please upload your curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing your experience, and the names and contact information of two references. Questions about this position should be directed to Ashton Cropp ([email protected]) and/or Matthew Hartman ([email protected]).
How to apply. Interested researchers should email a CV with complete list of publications, list of three referees, and a brief letter/email message describing the expertise they have to offer connecting to the techniques above. Please ask at least two referees to forward references. Email the application and references to [email protected]. Alternatively you can apply through the following link. Applications from women, minorities, and non-US citizens are encouraged. This opening is for candidates who can begin soon, and so candidates that are US citizens or permanent residents, or those that have an active US visa are preferred. Please make your US visa status clear on your application.
Hartman Lab Research summary. Research in the Hartman lab focuses on cancer drug delivery and discovery. On the drug delivery side, we have developed a suite of photoremovable protecting groups that can be used to release cytotoxic cargos with light ranging from wavelengths in the UV to near-IR regions. Our drug discovery efforts focus on developing inhibitors of challenging targets in cancer that are currently assumed to be “undruggable.” Our approach involves development of extremely diverse peptide libraries and using these libraries to identify high-affinity peptide-hits with drug-like features. To create the libraries, we use a highly customizable in vitro translation system based on mRNA display. A portion of the lab focuses on growing the mRNA technology so that hits are more drug-like, and part of the lab focuses on using mRNA display to find inhibitors of undruggable protein-protein interactions. Finally, we are also interested in using mRNA display to uncover fundamental trends connecting library properties to binding affinity. These projects are funded by the NSF, NIH, and the Gilbert Family Foundation.
Group culture and environment. The Hartman lab is a highly collaborative place, where students and postdocs typically have their own projects, but rely extensively on the expertise of their colleagues to complete the interdisciplinary work. We use a wide variety of techniques spanning chemistry (standard small molecule organic synthesis, and microwave solid-phase peptide synthesis), biophysical assays (ESI and MALDI mass spectrometry, FACS, FRET, ITC, fluorescence polarization), and cellular and molecular biology (protein expression, in vitro transcription, tissue culture, FACS, confocal microscopy, mRNA display).
Immediate postdoctoral opening (posted 3/1/23).
A postdoctoral position in Chemical Biology is available for a skilled and enthusiastic chemist to work in the Cropp and Hartman research laboratories in the VCU Department of Chemistry and the NCI Designated Massey Cancer Center. The principal research topic will be genetic code expansion technologies, and their use in mRNA display of extremely diverse peptide libraries.
Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology or Biochemistry or a related discipline and prior experience with chemical/peptide synthesis and either protein engineering or RNA biochemistry. Specific techniques desired include protein expression/purification, construct design, library design for directed evolution, and peptide labeling chemistry, in vitro transcription,
and in vitro translation. Ideal candidates will have additional experience with specialized methodologies, such as using genetically encoded unnatural amino acids to probe or control protein function and in vitro selection technologies.
The successful candidate will be expected to independently design, execute, and analyze experiments, to contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, and to promote a collegial and rigorous laboratory environment. Periodic technical progress reports will be required, and opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students will be available. The initial appointment is for one year with a review after 6 months; renewal beyond 1 year is contingent on milestones achieved and funding availability.
To apply, please upload your curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing your experience, and the names and contact information of two references. Questions about this position should be directed to Ashton Cropp ([email protected]) and/or Matthew Hartman ([email protected]).
How to apply. Interested researchers should email a CV with complete list of publications, list of three referees, and a brief letter/email message describing the expertise they have to offer connecting to the techniques above. Please ask at least two referees to forward references. Email the application and references to [email protected]. Alternatively you can apply through the following link. Applications from women, minorities, and non-US citizens are encouraged. This opening is for candidates who can begin soon, and so candidates that are US citizens or permanent residents, or those that have an active US visa are preferred. Please make your US visa status clear on your application.