New

Research Associate - Shukla Lab

University of Texas at Dallas

$62,232; dependent on qualifications

medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plan

Apr 03, 2026

Posting Details

Posting Number	S06957P
Position Title	Research Associate - Shukla Lab
Functional Title	Research Associate - Post Doc
Department	Biological Sciences
Salary Range	$62,232; dependent on qualifications
Pay Basis	Monthly
Position Status	Regular full-time
Location	Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date	04/03/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled	No
Desired Start Date	06/01/2026
Job Summary	The Shukla Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at UT Dallas is seeking a creative, rigorous, and highly motivated protein biochemist to join our interdisciplinary team. We study the chemical and biophysical principles underlying membrane-involved processes in neurodegeneration and cancer, with emphasis on tauopathies, membrane repair, and lipid-protein interactions. This position is ideal for candidates who are about to complete their Ph.D. or are within one-year post-completion and who are excited to drive mechanistic biochemical discovery at the interface of membrane biology, quantitative biophysics, and disease. The successful candidate will lead biochemical and reconstitution-based projects central to the lab's mission. Potential directions include: Purification and biochemical characterization of membrane-associated proteins and protein complexes, lipid transporters, and pathological protein assemblies. Reconstitution of proteins into synthetic or cell-derived membranes to probe structure-function relationships that govern membrane remodeling, lipid transport, and permeabilization. Development of quantitative assays integrating protein biochemistry with optical tweezers, fluorescence imaging, or biophysical readouts. Scientific Environment and Mentorship As an early member of the Shukla Lab, the postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to help shape the scientific direction of a growing research program. Postdocs in the lab are encouraged to develop mechanistic questions, pursue independent ideas aligned with the lab's research vision, and build collaborations across disciplines. The lab environment emphasizes rigorous quantitative thinking, open scientific discussion, and mentorship aimed at preparing trainees for independent careers in academia, biotechnology, or related fields. UT Dallas offers a rapidly growing research environment with strong connections to UT Southwestern Medical Center and the Dallas biomedical research community.
Minimum Education and Experience	Ph.D in a related field. Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.
Preferred Education and Experience	Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related field (near completion or within one-year post completion) Strong background in protein expression, purification, and biochemical assay development. Demonstrated ability to work independently, troubleshoot complex problems, and collaborate effectively Experience with membrane proteins, proteoliposomes, or in vitro reconstitution Familiarity with quantitative biophysical techniques (e.g., fluorescence spectroscopy, optical tweezers, cryo-EM or related tools) Interest in neurodegeneration, lipid biology, or membrane repair pathways
Other Qualifications	To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities	Design, execute, and optimize biochemical workflows, including cloning, expression, purification, and reconstitution of membrane-interacting proteins Lead mechanistic studies bridging protein chemistry and membrane biophysics Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results clearly and rigorously Work collaboratively with cell biologists and biophysicists within the lab Mentor undergraduate and graduate trainees and contribute to a supportive and inclusive lab culture
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information	Work is conducted in-person and on-site. What We Can Offer UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fosters an employee-friendly work environment and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Competitive salary Tuition benefits Internal training and development opportunities Medical insurance - 100% paid employee-only coverage for full-time employees Dental insurance Vision insurance Long-term and short-term disability coverage Multiple retirement plan options Generous paid time off Paid holidays All UT Dallas employees also have access to a variety of professional development resources, including memberships to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and participation in the UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program. For full details, visit: https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/
Special Instructions Summary	Applicants may also send one email to Dr. Sankalp Shukla at Sankalp.Shukla@utdallas.edu with a CV that includes contact information for 2-3 references. This email should be in addition to submitting the formal application through the UT Dallas job portal.
Important Message	1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public. 2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the *ADA Coordinator* . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.