Postdoctoral Scholar

The Weiner and Douglas Labs at UCSF are seeking to hire a postdoctoral researcher to lead an interdisciplinary collaboration between our labs.

The Weiner Lab seeks to define the molecular logic of complex cell behaviors—how cells go from sets of interacting molecules to the emergent properties of living systems. The Douglas Lab uses DNA origami nanotechnology to fabricate tiny devices to precisely pattern and orient biomolecules to study biological systems at the mesoscale.

We know that precise spatiotemporal control of cell shape is essential for a wide array of physiological processes ranging from cell movement to cell division to membrane trafficking. Intriguingly, the membrane deformations are not simply an output of these biological events, but the membrane shape is also an input to the proteins that regulate these processes. We are seeking a creative and adventurous postdoc to develop and apply novel DNA-origami-based tools to engineer cell shape and gain a mechanistic understanding of these processes.

You will work with both labs to gain skills in DNA origami design and nanofabrication, as well as cellular engineering techniques to make membrane surfaces responsive to nanoscale patterns of ligands that couple signaling events to fluorescent biosensors for characterization using live-cell microscopy, as well as high-resolution 3D membrane mapping from UCSF’s Electron Microscopy Core.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Ph.D. in biophysics, biochemistry, physics, molecular biology, or related fields.
• Experience or interest in cell biology
• Experience or interest in molecular self-assembly
• Strong computational skills
• Ability to work independently

This is a highly interdisciplinary project, and we are looking for candidates who are comfortable with leveraging diverse approaches and pioneering new methods to expand our mechanistic understanding of biology.

To apply, send Shawn Douglas (shawn.douglas@ucsf.edu) or Orion Weiner (orion.weiner@ucsf.edu) the following materials:

• Cover Letter
• Current CV
• Two Reference Contacts

We will be flexible about which of our labs serves as the "home base" for the successful candidate. We have multiple exciting projects available in both labs, so please reach out if you have any questions.