Postdoc Position, Dai Lab at Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Job Title: Postdoc Position, Dai Lab at Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Job Number: 57247

Location: St. Louis, US

Job Description

An immediate postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Gucan (Gabriel) Dai at the Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine. We are seeking candidates with a solid publication record in biophysics and biochemistry, specifically in the field of ion channels or membrane proteins. Prior experience in patch-clamp electrophysiology or fluorescence cell imaging using advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques is highly preferred.

The Dai lab focuses on investigating the fundamental mechanisms underlying ion channels of excitable membranes, employing a multidisciplinary approach that combines structural biology, chemical biology, genetics, fluorescence microscopy, and electrophysiology. Notably, our lab is equipped with a state-of-the-art frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, which is the only one of its kind in the state of Missouri.

We are currently pursuing research directions summarized below:

Investigating the voltage-sensing mechanisms of voltage-gated ion channels that play a crucial role in various diseases such as chronic pain, cardiac arrhythmia, and epileptic seizures. Key techniques for trainees to learn include patch-clamp fluorometry (PCF), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), as well as the application of fluorescent noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs).

Elucidating the mechanisms involved in the lipid-mediated regulation of ion channels and the dynamics of lipid membranes, which are critical factors in inflammatory and neuropathic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and viral infections. Additional techniques relevant to this research direction include whole-cell fluorometry, calcium imaging, TIRF microscopy, and fluorescence lifetime imaging. 

A recent highlight of our research can be found at: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.15.545112v1

We  encourage individuals interested in this position, please apply for the position from the link or contact us at [Please click the Apply button for the link or email].

Application Deadline: 2023-09-30