Post-Doctoral Associate: Pharmacology

Post-Doc Position in Structural Biophysics
Postdoctoral position available for highly motivated candidate in the Levinson Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus. The Levinson Lab studies allostery and drug recognition in protein kinases using advanced biophysical spectroscopy coupled with structural and biochemical methods. A core focus of the lab is understanding the allosteric basis for how drug binding to the active site modulates kinase protein-protein interactions in cancer. Our projects are performed in close collaboration with the lab of David D. Thomas in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, whose time-resolved fluorescence methodology for tracking protein conformational changes is a core component of our experimental toolkit. Successful applicants will work in a highly collaborative environment that spans the disciplines of structural biology, biophysics, and biochemistry and will be exposed to a wealth of techniques from X-ray crystallography and cryoEM to optical spectroscopy and magnetic resonance.

Available projects include:
1) real-time tracking of ligand-driven allosteric structural transitions in kinases using time-resolved FRET and NMR

2) dissection of oncogenic kinase scaffolding interactions using X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR, EPR and FRET

3) allosteric drug discovery using a novel high-throughput screening platform based on nanosecond time-resolved FRET

Example recent papers:
Majumdar et al., Nat Chem Biol (2021)
Lake et al., PNAS (2018)
Ruff et al., eLife (2018)
Cyphers et al., Nat Chem Biol (2017)

Requirements
- Ph.D. in biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field
-Strong communication and interpersonal skills
-Aptitude for working in a collaborative team

Preferred Qualifications
-Experience with recombinant protein expression, particularly in insect cells and/or mammalian cells.
-Familiarity with biomolecular spectroscopy, including fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance
-Familiarity with single particle cryo-electron microscopy

Our group studies allosteric regulation mechanisms that are disrupted in cancer, with a particular focus on the protein kinases. We use biophysical approaches to tease apart how allosteric regulation works and aim to harness this knowledge in pursuit of new allosteric inhibitors.

For more information, please visit: http://pharmacology.ahc.umn.edu/~ad%5cnml/

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and the mechanisms underlying their beneficial and undesirable effects. Research in pharmacology generates new knowledge and tools that can lead to better treatments for devastating medical problems including cancer, addiction, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and infectious disease.

For more information, please visit: https://med.umn.edu/pharmacology

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
• Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
• Excellent retirement plans with employer match
• Disability and employer paid life insurance
• Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75%-100% of eligible tuition
• Student loan forgiveness opportunity
• Opportunities for growth and promotion
• Employee Assistance Program

For more information regarding benefits:
https://humanresources.umn.edu/sites/humanresources.umn.edu/files/2020_tcd-fpa-75100-ben-0105-10_cs_final.pdf