Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Description

The Debold Muscle Biophysics Lab is seeking talented applicants for a full-time, Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Kinesiology Department as part of a five-year grant from the NIH to study the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle contraction, intracellular transport and the formation of complex cellular structures. The goal of this work is to understand how the load-dependent proteins of the molecular motor myosin enable it to perform complex cellular processes when working as a team of motors.

We are searching for a highly motivated single molecule biophysicist familiar with the laser trap and in vitro motility assays. These skills will be used to characterize the single molecule and mini-ensemble properties of three different classes of myosin: muscle myosin II, myosin III and myosin V.  The goal of this project is to understand how the single molecule properties of these myosins give rise to the complex behavior they demonstrate in multi-motor teams. 

Specific activities will include protein purification and preparation, fluorescence microscopy and data collection and analysis of data from the single molecule laser trap and in vitro motility assay.  Preparation and presentation of figures for presentation at national and international meetings, as well as for publication.  Writing manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.  Preference will be given to those with the ability to express and purify myosin proteins.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• A PhD in Kinesiology or a related STEM field, including Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Biochemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to present and publish research in biophysics or a related field.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, students and collaborators.
• Organizational skills to effectively manage and maintain large data sets.
• High level of independence and reliability.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in high-quality journals in kinesiology and/or neuroscience or related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with a single molecule laser trap assay.
• The ability to manage large and complex data sets using, MatLab, R or related programs
• The ability to isolate and/or express proteins and prepare them for use in functional assays.
• Knowledge of fluorescence microscopy techniques including epi, TIRF and STORM.
• Proficiency with LabView software.
• Ability to rapidly learn new software platforms.

Additional Information

• This position will require the successful candidate to work full-time (40 hours per week). The work may require week and weekend hours to facilitate human subject recruitment and testing. This is an in-person only position.
• This is a 12-month appointment with reappointment contingent on funding and sufficient productivity (e.g. 2-3 first author publications per year).

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit the following application materials for priority consideration by September 1, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

• A cover letter that includes a statement of research experience and interests as well as long term goals
• A curriculum vitae
• A PDF of a recent publication
• Contact information of three professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.