Staff Scientist - Protein Engineering

Summary The St-Pierre lab develops and applies new tools for monitoring and interrogating brain activity with millisecond-timescale temporal resolution. We seek an energetic team member to lead our efforts to characterize and apply new light-responsive proteins in vitro and in vivo. The Staff Scientist will work on two types of tools: (1) genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs), fluorescent biosensors that report voltage as changes in brightness, and (2) optogenetic silencers, light-gated channels that inhibit neuronal firing.

Characterization of these tools requires simultaneous electrophysiological recordings and optical excitation/imaging. This position provides exciting opportunities to work with the latest optical technologies and develop new skills in two-photon voltage imaging, protein engineering, and synthetic biology.

Job Duties Designs and conducts experiments combining electrophysiology with optogenetic activation or optical imaging (multi-photon fluorescence microscopy) to characterize GEVIs and optogenetic silencers in vitro and in vivo.

Analyzes electrophysiology and imaging data using commercial software or customized data pipelines.

Cultures mammalian cells; prepares brain slices and/or dissociated neurons; maintains and troubleshoots the electrophysiological rig and related reagent/tool supply.

Reviews literature on voltage indicators, optogenetic silencers, and related protein engineering approaches to inform experimental design.

Communicates research results in group meetings and at national or international conferences.

Teaches techniques, procedures, and experimental design to other members of the lab. Characterizes and applies new light-responsive proteins (GEVIs and optogenetic silencers) in vitro and in vivo.

Contributes to protein engineering efforts to improve sensor/actuator performance.

Operates and maintains two-photon voltage imaging equipment.

Contributes to manuscript and grant report preparation.

Maintains lab notebooks and data records per lab and institutional standards.

Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Doctoral Degree. Experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree.

Three years of post doctoral research experience.

Preferred Qualifications Hands-on experience engineering and characterizing genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors; protein engineering and directed mutagenesis; molecular cloning; mammalian cell culture and transfection; fluorescence/confocal microscopy; experience with electrophysiology or two-photon imaging a plus.

Work Authorization Requirement:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.

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