Postdoctoral Research Scientist Studying Microtubule Cytoskeleton
A postdoc position is available in the Dixit lab at Washington University in St. Louis, funded by an NIH grant. Our research uses multidisciplinary approach to address critical questions about the inner workings of complex cytoskeletal structures that impact both plant and animal kingdoms. For more information about the lab and recent publications, please visit https://sites.wustl.edu/dixitlab/.
The postdoc will lead research efforts to uncover the structural determinants underlying functional specialization of microtubule bundling proteins and mechanism of activity of a new class of microtubule minus-end regulators. This work will involve protein biochemistry and single-molecule TIRF microscopy, live imaging, and new methods to measure the 3D position and orientation of single fluorescently labeled molecules. The position offers a complete benefits package and competitive salary based on the NIH postdoctoral rate.
The Dixit lab is a collaborative environment consisting of researchers pursuing a broad range of projects in the areas of cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and developmental biology. We have ready access to superb facilities on the main campus, Washington University School of Medicine, and the Danforth Plant Science Center. We are also part of a multi-institution NSF-funded Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology (https://cemb.upenn.edu) with wide-ranging expertise in biology and physical sciences. People in the lab have the freedom to pursue research that excites them and to obtain the professional and technical training needed for their career goals. Postdocs are encouraged to develop their own research projects that they can take with them. Further, postdocs are financially supported for one national or international meeting per year, and unlimited local meetings. There are opportunities to gain classroom teaching experience and mentoring experience in the lab. In addition, large companies such as Bayer, Sigma-Aldrich, and Pfizer and many smaller biotech companies are nearby. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and welcome candidates from all cultural, scientific, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Washington University in St. Louis offers a diverse array of career and professional development opportunities through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. The St. Louis region provides a wonderful living environment with numerous cultural, sporting, and recreational activities. Additional information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs.
Requirements
- About to complete or have completed a PhD within the last 1-2 years in cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, biomedical engineering, or related field.
- Demonstrated productivity in the form of peer-reviewed publications.
- Proficiency in general molecular and protein biochemistry techniques.
- Experience with fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis will be highly preferred.
- Experience with Arabidopsis plants and/or TIRF microscopy is desirable but not required.