Postdoctoral Scholar

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AVAILABLE – MITOCHONDRIAL DYNAMICS

A NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available immediately to study the roles and molecular mechanisms of transmembrane-anchored protein adaptors and essential phospholipids in dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission. The position requires a Ph.D. in an area relevant to cell biology, protein biochemistry, or biophysics.

The Ramachandran laboratory employs a host of cutting-edge spectroscopic and microscopic approaches including FRET, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to explore protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions in membrane remodeling and fission, both in vitro and in vivo. A working knowledge of fluorescence spectroscopic and imaging techniques, including confocal and TIRF microscopy, is essential. Demonstrated experience in working with model membrane systems such as liposomes and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), and/or the application of FCS and FLIM to assess protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions is desirable. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for both ensemble and single-molecule level fluorescence spectroscopic/microscopic studies, as well as for protein purification, characterization and membrane reconstitution.

Requirements: Applicants must be highly motivated and must have demonstrated experience (i.e. relevant publications) in protein biochemistry, fluorescence spectroscopy, or microscopy. The candidate should have a strong conceptual and experimental background in biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as in the mechanistic dissection of structure-function relationships in proteins; background in cell biology is desirable; he/she should be independent, proactive, hardworking and productive; only candidates that have first-author publications (or articles in press) will be considered. Salary will commensurate with experience and will adhere to current NIH guidelines. Only candidates within two years of obtaining their Ph.D. degree will be considered.

Interested candidates should submit their CV, reprints of selected publications, three reference letters (directly from referees), and a cover letter summarizing their experience, long-term goals, and estimated start date directly to Rajesh Ramachandran at rxr275@case.edu.