Small Molecule Screening and Mechanistic Studies with Membrane Proteins

Position Description: 

The research group of Dr. Anirban Banerjee at the National Institute of Health (NIH) is seeking candidates for postdoctoral fellows for a project focused on small molecule screening of eukaryotic integral membrane proteins in combination with structural and functional studies. We are combining structural techniques such as macromolecular crystallography with biophysical and biochemical methods such as reconstitution based functional assays to investigate the structure and function of integral membrane enzymes (See Science 12 Jan 2018: Vol. 359, Issue 6372, eaao6326; DOI: 10.1126/science.aao6326) and transition metal transporters (see J Biol Chem. 2018 Mar 9;293(10):3819-3828, doi: 10.1074/jbc.M117.817478).

The DC Metro area is a wonderful place to live, the weather is pleasant and the NIH is a vibrant international community. In terms of scientific opportunities, the NIH is absolutely unique in bringing scientists from virtually all areas of biomedical sciences in one campus. The Cell Biology and Metabolism program is part of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Our lab also has an affiliation to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Responsibilities:

For this position, we are looking for a candidate who will set up biochemical assays and work together with investigators at National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) to carry out high throughput small molecule screens to identify possible small molecule modulators of a number of different membrane proteins. NCATS is the newest of 27 Institutes and Centers (ICs) at the NIH and has the infrastructure and personnel support for small molecule screening with a diverse range of technologies and cutting edge instrumentation. The candidate will follow up the discoveries from the high throughput screening with biochemical studies in our laboratory. One of our major goals is to carry out structural studies with the refined small molecule ligands and the candidate will have the opportunity to carry out the structural studies independently in the lab or in collaboration with other coworkers.

Qualifications:

The candidates should hold a Ph. D. degree in a related field, be author of at least one first author publication and have a strong background in biochemistry or structural biology. Experience with basic molecular biology, protein expression, purification and biochemical characterization are required. Prior experience in in any one or more of small molecule screening or membrane protein biochemistry will be added advantages.

It is absolutely essential the candidate is motivated and prepared to put in the best efforts for fruition of the project goals. We are a small, friendly lab and ability to work as part of a cohesive group is important.

To Apply:

Interested candidates can send an email of interest to anirban.banerjeenih.gov with a CV and a summary of previous research experience and interests.

NIH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.