2 Postdoctoral positions at Saint Loius University, USA


(1) Postdoctoral fellow-Medicinal Chemistry

Job Description

Saint Louis University is a Catholic Jesuit Institution dedicated to student learning, research,

health care and service. This Postdoctoral Fellow position is in the medicinal chemistry research group led by Dr. Marvin Meyers in the Department of Chemistry (https://www.slu.edu/arts-and-sciences/chemistry).  This work involves the organic synthesis of new molecular compounds as potential drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases.  Additional work duties include design of new molecules, data analysis, analytical characterization, purification, maintaining lab equipment, and mentoring/training graduate and undergraduate student researchers.

Responsibilities include:

  • Design and execute organic syntheses for the preparation of intermediates and new small molecules for biological testing
  • Purify organic molecules to journal standards using both normal and reverse phase techniques
  • Characterize small molecules utilizing standard analytical techniques such as NMR & LC-MS
  • Keep meticulous records in laboratory notebook and online data management systems
  • Write technical reports of experimental data for manuscripts and patent applications
  • Conduct literature searches related to research project
  • Assist in the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students  
  • Comply with University & Department safety policies
  • Maintain supplies, instrumentation, and other lab duties as assigned

Required qualifications: Ph.D. in organic chemistry or a Ph.D. with at least two years of experience in a synthetic organic chemistry laboratory setting.

Preferred qualifications:  Experience with molecular modeling and/or structure-based drug design.

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(2) Postdoctoral fellow-Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the lab of Gucan “Gabriel” Dai at the Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Candidates with a strong publication record in biophysics and biochemistry in ion channels or membrane proteins are encouraged to apply. Past experiences in patch-clamp electrophysiology or fluorescence cell imaging using advanced microscopy are preferred but not required. The Dai lab combines structural biology, chemical biology, genetics, fluorescence microscopy and electrophysiological methods to understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying ion channels of excitable membranes. The candidate is expected to publish high-impact papers as a lead author and apply for academic faculty positions or leadership positions in industry after receiving this training. The research directions in the lab are summarized in below. Applicants who are interested in this position should contact: gucan.dai@health.slu.edu 

(1) Voltage-sensing and electromechanical-coupling mechanisms of voltage-gated ion channels that are important for diseases including chronic pain, cardiac arrhythmia and epileptic seizures Main areas and techniques to learn for a trainee include patch-clamp fluorometry (PCF), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) as well as the application of fluorescent noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs).  

(2) Ligand-dependent gating mechanisms of ion channels and protein allostery for ligand binding. Trainees are expected to learn theories in binding, gating, affinity and efficacy for ligand-gated channels, structure-activity relationship, kinetic modeling and fast kinetics measurements.  

(3)  Mechanisms underlying the lipid-mediated regulation of ion channels and the lipid membrane dynamics that are critical for the inflammatory and neuropathic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and viral infections. Additional techniques in this direction include whole-cell fluorometry, Ca2+ imaging, TIRF microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging, and the super-resolution nanoscopy. 

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(3) Research Scientist-Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

We are looking for applicants for a research scientist position in the Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, beginning in the spring of 2023. Successful candidates are expected to have a PhD degree in neuroscience, physiology and biophysics, or related fields, with more than 5 years of postdoctoral research experience in studying ion channel structures using electrophysiology and other biophysical methods. A documented track record of publishing in the research area of structural mechanisms of ion channels and transporters is highly valued. The laboratory of Dr. Gucan “Gabriel” Dai focuses on the molecular and structural understanding of the neuronal and cardiac ion channels that are crucial for essential physiological processes and for diseases like neuropathic pain, cardiac arrhythmia, Alzheimer’s Disease and epilepsy. The candidate is expected to initiate and work on projects independently, write and publish papers and possibly apply for NIH grants as co-investigators. Applicants who are interested in this position should contact: gucan.dai@health.slu.edu

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work on projects independently under the supervision of the PI and report the progress regularly
  • Mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students on techniques specialized for studying the ion channel structure or the membrane physiology 
  • Analyze data, make figures, write manuscripts, and respond to reviewer’s comments for publication.
  • Write and edit sections of grant proposals with the PI, in order to secure NIH funds successfully

Minimum Qualifications

PhD, MD, or related doctoral degree in science, or M.S. with comparable years of work experience; Knowledge involving laboratory techniques or other specialized knowledge is desired; At least 3 years’ experience.

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