Postdoctoral Researcher

Every great life-changing discovery begins the same way-with new knowledge. It can change everything, from a single life to the future of entire communities. That's why academic medicine, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge, is at the center of everything we do at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). In the role of a Postdoctoral Researcher you will be working in Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy.

Purpose

Post-doctoral position is available in the Department of Cell Biology focused on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protein structure and dynamics toward drug discovery of new medicines. Our lab is a highly-creative and dynamic Cell Biology lab involved in cutting-edge technologies collaborating internationally on projects with other labs. We specialize in pharmacology and using protein structure to design and screen compounds as potential drugs at various GPCR signaling pathways aimed at treating depression, pain, cancer, and various other diseases.

This post-doctoral position will study chemical probes, potential and current drugs being developed in the laboratory toward understanding their unique GPCR signaling properties using structural determination and biophysical methods of GPCR function. Projects will involve protein expression / purification, cryo-EM structure determination, X-ray crystallography, radiolabeling kinetic studies, and possibly using biophysical methods such as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR / DEER), and protein nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approaches.

Post-docs will be expected to publish and collaborate on high-impact discoveries from the lab and have opportunity to develop their own project goals.

We welcome highly-motivated and well-organized candidates capable of independent work in a laboratory setting. Candidates should have strong interests in medicine and / or pharmacology, demonstrate strong track records in structural biology and / or other protein biophysical methods, with experience with cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography.

Primary Functions

• Design expression constructs using PCR-based methods including Gibson assembly and site-directed mutagenesis.
• Perform advanced purification techniques such as affinity chromatography (e.g. His, FLAG, or streptavidin) on membrane proteins, analyze purity, and concentrate protein for use in experiments.
• Determine structural motifs within membrane proteins that allow for maximal expression and / or fusion techniques for macromolecular complex assembly.
• Perform data collection using cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography techniques and determine structures with high resolution.
• Perform weekly experiments, data analysis, and data archiving according to supervisors' specifications.
• Participate in international collaborations and communication with the principal investigators and fellow scientists when needed for projects.
• Participate in regular one-on-one and lab meetings with principal investigator and research staff and evaluate / interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, evaluate lab procedures.
• Interact and participate in departmental meetings, including relevant seminars and journal clubs.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

Doctorate in biochemistry or structural biology related field is required.

Applicants should have strong scientific communication skills and scientific integrity.

Successful applicants should be highly self-motivated with strong publication track record, and the ability to think and work independently.

Applicants should have extensive experience with common biochemistry and molecular biology techniques such as PCR, transformation, protein purification and protein quantification. Candidates with extensive structural biology backgrounds are strongly urged to apply.

Candidates with cryo-EM experience are preferred.

Preferred Schedule : Full Time / Variable

Position Requirements :

Minimum Required Education :
PhD

Minimum Required Experience :
Laboratory experience required

Preferred Education : Biochemistry or related field

Preferred Experience :
Cryo-EM or protein structure determination

Field : Structure Biology

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and…