Postdoc fellow/Neuropharmacology and Drug Discovery

The Zhu lab in the Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences at the College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, is seeking accomplished and motivated Postdoctoral Fellows to work on ongoing R01 projects funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. The R01 projects are to develop small molecule allosteric inhibitors of the dopamine transporter (DAT) that can block or diminish HIV-1 regulatory protein, transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein-induced inhibition of the reuptake of dopamine through DAT, which has potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of HIV-1 infection associated neurocognitive disorders. The job positions are required to characterize the in vitro pharmacological profile of the compounds to identify optimized probe molecules using cell based expressing human DAT. In addition, the job positions are also required to determine the therapeutic role of novel allosteric modulators in alleviation of Tat-mediated cognitive deficits and rewarding effects of cocaine in inducible Tat transgenic mice.  Our multidisciplinary approaches include studies using cell culture (cells expressing human dopamine transporter, and its mutants), radioligand uptake/binding, Co-IP and GST pull-down assays, cell surface biotinylation, transporter-mediated uptake and release, transgenic HIV-1 Tat transgenic mouse model, single residue on dopamine transporter knock in mouse model and behavioral testing.

Additional information about Zhu’s laboratory is available at: http://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/pharmacy/faculty-staff/zhu_jun.php

Successful candidates should have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, neuropharmacology, behavior pharmacology or related discipline. Candidates with training and interest in regulation of membrane transporter function and expression are encouraged to apply. Experience in cell couture, rodent behavior testing (cognitive and drug rewarding effects), or neuropharmacology is desirable. Start date for the positions is as soon as possible. Candidates should apply this job through https://uscjobs.sc.edu/hr/postings/https://uscjobs.sc.edu/hr/postings/RTF00015P020 and RTF00016P020 or email to zhuj@cop.sc.edu with a brief letter of interest describing research experience and career goals, current CV and contact information for three references.