Postdoctoral Researcher X-ray crystallography

A postdoctoral training position is available in the laboratory of Dr. David Chuang https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/labs/chuang-david/ in the department of Biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The primary objective of this DoD-funded three-year project is to develop a second generation of potent inhibitors for mitochondrial branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase (BDK) as a novel approach to heart failure. Recent studies have established that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolic flux defects are not only correlated with but also causal to the onset of insulin resistance and cardiac dysfunction. Our central hypothesis is that BDK that regulates BCAA catabolism is a therapeutic target for cardiometabolic disease associated with obesity and diabetes.

For drug discovery, we will employ a multidisciplinary approach through the synergistic strengths of several research teams specialized in biochemistry (Chuang Lab), chemical biology (Medicinal Chemistry Core), high throughput screening (HTS Core) and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Pharmacology Core) in the Biochemistry department as well as X-ray crystallography (Structural Biology Lab) on campus. The therapeutic efficacy with these new BDK inhibitors will be validated in animal models of various cardiometabolic diseases in collaboration with Dr. Yibin Wang at UCLA.

The incumbent, must have a Ph.D. and is expected to have major first-author publications in X-ray crystallography preferably with hands-on experience in studying protein-ligand interactions. He/she must have demonstrated good research productivity and quality as well as abilities to independently develop hypotheses, design experiments and trouble-shoot experimental problems.

Interested individuals should send a CV, statement of interests, and a list of three references to:

David Chuang, Ph.D.

UT Southwestern Medical Center

5323 Harry Hines Blvd.

Dallas, TX 75390-9038

David.chuang@utsouthwestern.edu https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/labs/chuang-david/

Information on our postdoctoral training program and benefits can be found in our Postdoc Handbook or at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/postdocs.

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