Postdoctoral Scholar
Description of Position: The Handel Lab https:/handel.ucsd.edu (new website coming soon) at UC San Diego has an opening for a postdoctoral scholar seeking to conduct research in the structural biology of chemokine receptors. Chemokine receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors that direct the migration of cells in many immune system and developmental processes. However imbalanced regulation of the receptors contributes to numerous inflammatory diseases and cancer, making them important therapeutic targets. By determining structures of receptors in complex with natural chemokine ligands, intracellular effectors and small molecule inhibitors, and understanding their signaling mechanisms, we aim to accelerate drug discovery against this important class of membrane receptors. The postdoctoral scholar will lead a project involving structural studies of chemokine receptor complexes using X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM). The structural studies will be complemented with studies of receptor signaling or discovery of novel protein-protein interactions with cellular and biochemical approaches. The postdoctoral scholar and the PI will work together to tailor the project to the career objectives and desired skills of the successful applicant. The Handel lab uses a wide variety structural, biochemical, biophysical and cell-based assays and has access to state-of-the-art equipment which will be available to the applicant.
Environment: The Handel lab is located in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) https://pharmacy.ucsd.edu/ and associated with the Department of Pharmacology in the School of Medicine https://pharmacology.ucsd.edu, both at the world-renowned La Jolla campus of UC San Diego. SSPPS is committed to academic excellence and diversity within the faculty, staff, and student body, and is ranked among leading pharmacy schools in its research endeavors and grant funding. Similarly, the Department of Pharmacology is ranked #2-5 (2017-2020) amongst 200-250 global universities globally and consistently 2nd or 3rd amongst pharmacology departments in NIH research funding. Both SSPPS and the Department of Pharmacology are committed to academic excellence and diversity within the academic, staff, and student body. The quality of the UC San Diego academic environment is augmented by the attractiveness of San Diego life with year round pleasant weather and access to many types of outdoor recreational activities.
Salary: Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience.
Appointment Length/Period: Up to five years with the possibility for extension.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Qualifications: Strong experimental skills in molecular biology, biochemistry and protein expression and purification are required. Additional desirable qualifications include some prior experience in structure determination by NMR, crystallography or cryo-EM. Good written and oral communication skills, good organizational and time management skills, and a commitment to excellent record keeping and conducting rigorous research is a must. The scholar should also have evidence of accomplishment from their PhD with first author publications. Knowledge of cell biology is also desirable but not required.