Job Title: Postdoc Positions in Protein Homeostasis & Nanobody Engineering at Stanford
Job Number: 79342
Location: Stanford, US
Job Description:
The Pleiner lab at Stanford University is looking for postdoctoral fellows to study the mechanism of membrane protein biogenesis and quality control at the human ER using a combination of cutting-edge cell biology, genetics, and protein biochemistry techniques. In parallel, we are also looking for postdocs interested in developing high-throughput screens for single-domain antibodies, called nanobodies, that can perturb intracellular biology directly at the protein level and to use these tools to study and reverse the failure of protein homeostasis under disease conditions.
We are seeking creative, passionate, and independent thinkers to join us as postdocs. Applications are encouraged from talented and motivated individuals who have a Ph.D. or are nearing completion of their Ph.D. with experience in cell biology, structural biochemistry, and/or protein engineering. Top candidates will have a strong track record of research productivity, excellent communication skills, enthusiasm for basic research, and a willingness to work as a leading part of a team with other lab members.
Overview:
The Pleiner lab studies the pathways and molecular machines that regulate cellular protein homeostasis. A particular focus of the lab is to understand how human cells make and quality control multi-pass membrane proteins like transporters, receptors, and ion channels that are essential for cellular physiology. Membrane proteins are the predominant targets of most modern drugs, and understanding how membrane protein biosynthesis is regulated to prevent misfolding and degradation is therefore of immediate biomedical relevance.
We use an interdisciplinary approach to study membrane protein homeostasis by combining molecular & cell biology, structural protein biochemistry, and protein engineering. In parallel, the lab will develop novel methods and reagents (e.g. nanobodies) to both study and modulate protein quality control pathways that regulate cellular protein folding and degradation in health and disease conditions (e.g. cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging).
Environment:
Our lab is an inclusive space that fosters learning & curiosity, promotes teamwork, and values mentorship to drive an innovative research program that pushes the boundaries of molecular biology. The successful candidate will have access to close mentorship and will shape the make-up of a new lab. The lab has fantastic resources and is surrounded by a world-class collaborative scientific environment. Outside of the lab, life in the sunny Bay area offers spectacular culinary, cultural, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Projects:
- Mechanism of membrane protein biogenesis and quality control at the endoplasmic reticulum.
- Engineering nanobodies that rewire protein folding or degradation capacity and their characterization in model systems of neurodegenerative diseases.
Preferred (but not required) expertise:
- Structural biology (cryo-EM data collection and data analysis)
- Biochemistry (protein expression and purification in bacteria/mammalian cells)
- General molecular biology and cell biology techniques
- Cell biology (mammalian cell culture, CRISPR screens, etc.)
- Protein engineering (phage/ ribosome/ yeast display, antibody engineering, etc.)
Required Qualifications:
- A doctoral degree
- Expertise in molecular/cellular/structural biology and protein biochemistry
- Strong track record of research productivity
- Excellent communication skills (fluency in English)
- Enthusiasm for basic research/technology development
Required Application Materials:
- A cover letter including a summary of your research experience, your career goals, and how you think you could contribute to the ongoing research in our lab.
- Your curriculum vitae including a list of publications with brief (2-3 sentence) descriptions of your contributions to your published work.
- Names and contact information for 3 references.
Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Application Deadline: 2024-10-31
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