Postdoctoral Scholar

Department Overview

This posting is for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship focused on the structure and function of membrane proteins, with an emphasis on ligand-gated ion channels. The successful candidate will contribute to studies aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ion channel function, gating, and pharmacology through an integrated combination of biochemical, functional, and structural approaches.

The Mansoor Lab studies the molecular structure and function of ion channels and receptors, with the broader goal of understanding fundamental mechanisms of membrane protein function and leveraging these insights toward the development of novel pharmacological approaches. Typical techniques and experiments in the lab include, but are not limited to, molecular biology, mammalian tissue culture, heterologous protein expression, membrane protein expression and purification, electrophysiology, and high-resolution structural biology. Applicants should have prior experience with protein expression and purification and be comfortable working with membrane proteins for structure-function studies. Experience with mammalian tissue culture and heterologous mammalian expression systems is highly desirable. Experience studying ligand-gated ion channels, including familiarity with two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) and/or whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, is also desirable. Previous experience with high-resolution structural biology techniques, such as X-ray crystallography and/or single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, is preferred.

Function/Duties of Position

• Primary Research (including planning, granting, execution, analysis, publication).
• Maintain laboratory compliance documentation for human, animal, biological and radiological work.
• Be familiar with lab safety infrastructure and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
• Interact with biosafety, chemical safety, and safety officers on behalf of the Principal Investigator.
• Generate data and research analysis for investigator's use in preparation of technical reports and publications.
• Assist the PI with manuscript preparation and grant applications.
• Present, or assist in the presentation of, research projects at retreats, seminars, conferences and other OHSU or public venues.
• Providing training to users on lab practices and protocols, including sample preparation and instrumentation use.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook of all experiments performed. Participate in lab meeting.
• Training of lab personnel and supervision of Research Assistants, students and other lab members.
• Perform routine lab operations, including but not limited to the purchase of laboratory supplies, monitoring supplies and maintaining all laboratory equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biological sciences.
• Experience purifying membrane proteins.
• Experience with heterologous mammalian expression systems.
• Some structural biology experience (preferably cryo-EM).
• Experience with model building.

Skills and Abilities

• Experimental design and interpretation of results.
• Basic molecular biological methods of DNA manipulation and analysis.
• Knowledge of membrane protein biochemistry.
• Experience with cryo-EM data processing and model building.
• Basic protein analysis techniques such as western blots, immunoprecipitation and immunostaining skills, mammalian cell culture.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong scientific curiosity, problemsolving skills and research integrity.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated success working independently and as a member of a collaborative team.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats.
• Working knowledge of office computer applications, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in electrophysiology or Biochemistry.
• Experience purifying membrane proteins.
• Independent graduate-level research in the electrophysiology of ligand-gated ion channels.
• Experience with TEVC and/or whole cell patch clamp systems.
• Programming using Unix.
• Knowledge of membrane protein biochemistry.
• Two electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) experiments.
• Whole cell patch clamp experiments.

Additional Details

Position is located at the OHSU Marquam Hill campus in Portland, Oregon. The work schedule will be set by the supervising faculty, dictated by the needs of the research and planned experiments. Working evenings, weekends and extended hours may be required depending on the needs of the research. Work environment is in an open wet lab, in the presence of laboratory chemicals and automated equipment.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]