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Postdoctoral Scholar: Systems Biology of G Proteins

Employer
UC San Diego
Location
San Diego County, California, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Dec 9, 2021

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Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Modeling, Biology
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Fellowship
Disciplinary Specialties of Research
  • Cell Signaling
  • Pharmacology
  • G proteins and G protein coupled receptors
  • Systems Biology


Description of the Position

The Kufareva lab (https://kufareva.ucsd.edu/) at the UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy (https://pharmacy.ucsd.edu/) is looking for a postdoctoral scholar interested in pursuing a career at the interface between experimental and computational biomedical sciences. This scholar will lead a project on understanding and modeling the intracellular trafficking and interactome of G proteins, the key class of mammalian signal transducers, ultimately contributing to the design of an " in silico cell".

Heterotrimeric G proteins are molecular switches that control eukaryotic signal transduction. In mammalian cell migration - a key process in immunity, inflammation, and development, - trimeric G proteins of the cAMP-inhibitory (Gi) family drive the movement of cells by transducing signals downstream of chemotactic G protein-coupled receptors such as the chemokine receptor CXCR4. The goal of this project is to reveal the spatiotemporally resolved architecture of Gi interactome, and to integrate findings into a cohesive model of Gi trafficking and regulation in migratory signaling.

The scholar will master and apply mammalian cell signaling assays, proximity biotinylation coupled to mass spectrometry, fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, and other techniques to tackle the challenges of cell signaling. The results will be analyzed in silico using methods of network biology, statistical modeling, big-data analyses, and machine learning. In addition to performing bench and computational experiments, the postdoctoral scholar is expected to make regular presentations at internal and extended group meetings, and to write papers under the guidance of the mentor. They will work with the mentor to secure fellowships, and eventually apply for career awards on the way to gaining scientific independence.

The University of California employs about 5,963 postdoctoral scholars (approx. 1,200 at UCSD) who contribute to the academic community by enhancing the research and education programs of the university. The postdoctoral experience emphasizes scholarship and continued research training. UC's postdoctoral scholars bring expertise and creativity that enrich the research environment for all members of the UC community, including graduate and undergraduate students. Appointment durations vary depending on the length of the research project and availability of funding. Total duration of an individual's postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions. The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is the exclusive representative of the postdoctoral scholars.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Biological Sciences or related, and an interest in learning and applying computational approaches to biomedical problems. Alternatively, PhD in Computer/Data Science or a related field, and an interest in learning cell biology and pharmacology.
  • Commitment to quality, rigor, transparency, and reproducibility in scientific research.
  • Familiarity with basic lab techniques and instrumentation
  • Theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular cloning
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection
  • Basic understanding of mammalian signal transduction
  • First author publications from prior training period.
  • Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Good writing and presentation skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in person, over videoconferencing platforms, and over email.


Preferred Qualification
  • Experience with pharmacological assays
  • Basic familiarity with the process of computer scripting and a scripting language such as R or Python.
  • Knowledge of an image processing software such as ImageJ
  • Familiarity with pharmacological concentration response curves and the non-linear regression software such as GraphPad Prism

Applicants who have their own funding (e.g. in the form of a fellowship or similar) are welcome and should elaborate in their cover letter.

Terms of Service

The initial appointment is for one year, with optional subsequent reappointments based on performance. Total term of postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions.

Compensation

Commensurate with qualifications and years of experience as a postdoc; based on published University of California pay scales.

HOW TO APPLY

Send applications directly to Dr. Irina Kufareva at ikufareva@health.ucsd.edu. Applications must include: (i) Curriculum Vitae, (ii) cover letter, and (iii) three professional references (contact info only), including the current or previous academic supervisor.

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