We have immediate openings for postdoctoral fellows in the lab of Dr. Cheng Zhang in the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology at School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh, PA, United States. Our lab is a newly established lab that focus on the studies of a family of cell surface receptors - G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The aim is to understand the molecular mechanisms of the signal transduction by GPCRs, which represent 30-40% of current drug targets, and to explore the molecular pharmacology to facilitate future drug design. The initial research effort will focus on the structural characterization of several GPCRs that function in inflammation and calcium metabolism in complex with different ligands and signaling effectors. The main approach is X-ray crystallography, complemented by EM and NMR methods. The obtained structural information will be used in the following structure-based drug design to find new chemicals as potential drugs with desired pharmacological properties. Also structure-based development of macro-biomolecules such as antibodies and peptides as potential pharmaceuticals that can modulate the functional properties of GPCRs is another research direction. So far several GPCRs as important drug targets have been successfully prepared in the lab, which are ready for further structural studies. The potential candidates are expected to perform structural studies on these receptors and/or develop other biophysical and cell-based experiments to examine the signaling behaviors of these receptors in respond to different ligands/drugs.
Interested candidates should be highly motivated and have a PhD with strong background in one or several of the followings: 1) Molecular cloning and recombinant protein expression and purification. Experienced in protein characterization using various biochemical and biophysical methods such as pull-down, western blot, mass spec, ITC etc. 2) Protein X-ray Crystallography. 3) Recombinant protein expression in mammalian cells. Making stable cell lines. FACS setups. Experience with confocol or TIRF is optional but would be a plus. 4) Antibody production and engineering. Producing antibodies in hybridoma cells. Antibody characterization by ELISA. Experience in phage display or yeast display would be a major plus. We offer a quite exciting and vibrating working environment. There are several laboratories in the department that focus on the studies of GPCRs. You will be working with enthusiastic professionals studying GPCRs from difference perspectives. An competitive salary will be provided based on previous research experience and accomplishments. The initial appointment will be one year with the potential to renew every year depending on the progress of the projects. As for living, Pittsburgh is a very nice city to live. It has been elected as one of the most livable cities in the US for years with a diversity of people and culture. For more information about the lab and the department, please see: http://www.pharmacology.us/Faculty/ChengZhang To apply, please send a CV with cover letter to Dr. Cheng Zhang at chengzh1...@gmail.com. 2-3 reference letters will be requested if you are shortlisted for call interview.
